Central Coast Airport Revitalization Plan Aims to Lure Pilots and Boost Economy
After facing decades of controversy and setbacks, the Central Coast Council is launching a comprehensive masterplan to revitalize its ailing airport. The goal is to attract pilots, expand flight school operations, and enhance emergency service capabilities at the airport, also known as Warnervale Airport.
Ambitious Masterplan for Transformation
Recognizing the airport's lack of a "clear and cohesive direction," the Central Coast Council adopted a masterplan in February designed to transform the 160-hectare site's facilities and infrastructure. This plan encompasses several key initiatives, including upgrades to the main runway and long-term leasing of available land.
- Runway Upgrades: Enhancing the existing runway to accommodate more aircraft and improve safety.
- Land Leasing: Offering long-term leases on available land to attract aviation-related businesses.
- Emergency Service Relocation: Moving emergency services to optimize response times and efficiency.
- Commercial Development: Developing commercial land to generate revenue and attract new businesses.
- Flood Mitigation: Implementing measures to reduce the risk of flooding and protect airport infrastructure.
Addressing the Pilot Shortage
A crucial aspect of the masterplan focuses on addressing the growing aviation industry's skills shortage. By expanding flight training and pilot schools at Central Coast Airport, the council aims to contribute to meeting the Oceania region's projected need for approximately 10,000 new pilots within the next two decades. The region aims to contribute to solving the shortage that's being caused by the world's need for aviation employees.
Economic Impact and Future Projections
Currently, Warnervale Airport handles about 30,600 movements annually. The council forecasts this number to increase dramatically to 55,000 by 2042. The revitalized airport is expected to create around 200 jobs and potentially inject $10 million in wages and salaries into the local economy each year, but the airport currently runs at a loss of more than $158,000 annually.
| Metric | Current | Projected (2042) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Movements | 30,600 | 55,000 |
| Job Creation | N/A | 200 |
| Annual Wages/Salaries Impact | N/A | $10 million |
| Annual Loss | $158,000 | N/A |
