Scone Memorial Airport Community Information Session
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Published on 08 June 2023
Upper Hunter Shire Council recently held a constructive information session focused on the Scone Memorial Airport. This event was designed to inform residents about the operations of the airport and provide transparency on various aspects. We covered a range of topics from recent improvements, cost breakdowns, the role of Hunter Warbirds, to the proposed fees and charges for 2023/24, and future land development plans. Staff and Councillors of Upper Hunter Shire Council and stakeholders of the Scone Memorial Airport engaged in a detailed presentation and a question-and-answer session.
Questions raised at the session have been responded to below. The presentation from the session is also available to be downloaded.Q. Why aren’t the proposed fees the same dollar amount per tonne as it seems unfair to charge a higher rate for larger aircraft. A. The damage to the runway is not directly proportional to the size of the aircraft, there is an exponential increase in damage as the mass increases so the dollar per tonne figure increases to reflect this. The larger aircraft still do significantly more damage than the fee structure accounts for.
Q. Who are the biggest users of the airport and what weight category do they fall under A. The three biggest users are Airspeed Aviation, Pays Air Service and Alamah Pty Ltd. They fall into the 600-5699 Kg categories.
Q. A resident commented, In relation to the Airpark Development, the current eastern subdivision did not allow for double banking of residential blocks and this would also be the case in the new subdivision if it goes ahead. A. The Airpark is a great idea, however the planning will need to be considered further.
Q. Increased movements at the airport are forecasted if further Hangars are built and this will impact on residents. Are there any plans for a regional airline service planned for Scone Memorial Airport? A. There is predicted increase in traffic with the building of new hangar space and with growth of the town and industries. If you buy a property near the airport, it is expected that you are aware of the impacts that will have to you now and into the future. There are no plans for a regional airline to be operating at the Scone Memorial Airport. This has been investigated numerous times in the past, however the proximity of the current regional airports are too close to warrant another regional airport terminal in Scone.
Q. How many families does the airport support in relation to businesses and staff? A. Including the Hunter Warbirds, Airport staff and businesses that operate a business at the airport, there would be more than 40 families.
Q. In relation to the Hunter Warbirds Income and Expenses, can you please advise what the major costs are for this facility? A. The major costs for the Hunter Warbirds Facility is staffing and loan repayments.
Q. There is an increased amount of water that has been diverted to the back of the properties along Satur Rd along the natural watercourse from the Moobi Rd residential development and the airport, are there any future plans to improve this infrastructure to prevent flooding? A. This is something that Council will be monitoring and would be a part of the Local Environment Plan in relation to future subdivisions and water diversion.