THE proposed widening of the sealed section of the north-south runway at Tyabb airfield from 10 metres to 18 metres would improve safety, according to the Tyabb Airfield Precinct Plan now on public display.
But Peninsula Aero Club has been quick to point out that the extra width would not be a green light for its use by larger aircraft.
Club president Peter Bernardi said the widening would cost the club up to $500,000 and would be completed “hopefully” by year’s end.
The precinct plan, by Kneebush Planning and Arcadis, is nearing the end of its six-week public display period (30 September) after a round of public consultation at Tyabb hall on 31 August.
Its stated aim is to “achieve a balanced, fair and sustainable co-existence” between the airfield’s operations and amenity of the local community.
Key recommendations include a Peninsula Aero Club master plan providing its neighbours with more transparency; the aero club to prepare an aircraft noise management plan; the aero club to implement a complaints procedure, as well as ensure all circuit training and gyrocopters be limited to a designated flight path.
Other key points are that there be no expansion of special use zone 3 airfield development zone, no change to the use of the east-west runway and no introduction of the airport environs overlay.
The aero club has confirmed that no variation was being sought on limits to the number of movements by larger aircraft; the maximum weight of aircraft permitted to use the airport, and that there be no jet take-offs or landings. It says it has no plans to expand the airport.
First published in the Western Port News – 26 September 2017
