Having got beyond pre-school, I don’t know what “D’uh” means?
Regarding the rest of your post, those opportunities are still there.
But I agree, as you have nothing else in the way of valid points to
make regarding the FTG proposal, let’s move on.

Sadman

Jobs for youth would have come from traineeships and apprenticeships with aerospace companies such as Seabird, Jabiru, perhaps Maryborough Aviation Services just to name a few of the organisations in our area.

The other obvious employment opportunity would be as a pilot. D’uh!

Now I don’t feel there is any more to be gained in this debate – the School is gone and not coming back so we’re wasting our breath speculating what might have been.

You mention jobs and nominate 6 areas, so let’s look at them. Aren’t the runways kept clean now?
Taxis, do you really think companies will put on more drivers?
Flight trainers/instructors, they would have brought with them.
Catering, yes there would be a few.
Entertainment!! Ben, we are talking about trainee pilots, they are paying BIG,BIG money to learn how to fly. Pilots must have zero alcohol blood levels, the course is quite short and much study to be done. I doubt they will blow their chance at a pass for some light entertainment. Added to which Ben, would you want a trainee pilot who has had a night on the town flying over your house?

As to the councillors you mention! Ben, they have had nearly two years to tell us what the benefits are, they haven’t!! I wonder
why?

Maybe Ben, you could tell us what jobs “local youth” are likely to get out of this exercise?

Sadman

Jobs – the fuel man (someone physically has to keep the aircraft in go juice), the aircraft mechanics, the council guy who ensures the runway is kept clean (he’d actually have something to do each day!), the flight trainers themselves, the catering staff, the taxi companies (the students will get out and about afterall), the entertainment venues (yes, even overseas visitors want to experience local food, beverages and culture). I probably missed a few others but you get the picture.

Economic –
* Local aviation fuel supplier would benefit,
* Aviation maintenance business would have ongoing work and be able to retain skilled workers.
* Airport would get rental fees (no it won’t pay to keep the entire airport operational but it will contribute to the bigger picture),
* Entertainment venues would benefit from the additional patronage of flgiht school staff and students.
* HELP ATTRACT ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS TO UPGRADE BOTH AIRPORTS – I understand part of the proposal required the upgrading of safety systems – so this benefits the entire community as not just are the flight school planes going to know who else is up there with them, all other aircraft will get this flow on benefit also.. but I digress…
* The flight school would actually be putting more pilots into the industry so companies such as REX would have enough pilots to enable them to service our region which in turn enables more services (such as attracting medical specialists who prefer to be able to fly in direct and not spend time commuting by car from Brisbane)
* Each trainee pilot will also return home to share his or her experiences of our wonderful region which would again flow on to mean more visitors.. which benefits the entire community with the toursit dollars they bring.

I am certain someone such as Gerard or Barb could rattle off a hundred more.

Now.. the community benefit part…

I am not the expert on this but it is my understanding several local schools were developing subjects based around the aero-industry so I’d be guessing that means anything from introducing students to flight basics, real-life exposure to aircraft mechanical engineering right through to actual flight lessons.

There is a very active light aircraft manufacturing industry in this region – not just in Hervey Bay but also nearby Bundaberg and these businesses are always looking to attract new employees and apprentices.

Retention of local youth in the area is great for our economy and gives our youngsters a chance for an alternative to living in the hussle and bussle of the bigger cities (something we all enjoy ourselves).

The flight training school was just a start to the possiblities of other add-on businesses the FCRC could attract to both our airports to enhance their viability.

I’ve said enough but John / Sadman, but please, pick up the phone and give either Gerard or Barb a call and I am sure both would be happy to answer any sensible questions.

Tell us more. What were the schools doing to train their students at FTG’s facilities?
What new opportunities would our youth experience?
As to Crs. O’connell and Hovard, they won’t answer questions, I know.
Ben , you have been suckered, they put out the bait and you went for it. Give us some
hard facts Ben. What are the benefits for our region?

Sadman

I am really unsure who you refer to when you say vested interest group? Cr Nioa owns a property within a few blocks of the airport yet she supported the project, Crs O’Connell and Hovard worked their hardest to bring this one in for Maryborough so yes it was in their best interests for it to get off the ground.

The others who have an interest (Maryborough’s Chamber of Commerce and other local business people) were all looking forward to this project as not only would it complement the other businesses at the airport and provide a rental income to help offset the cost of running the facility but also help attract other organisations to our region.

Also, what about the local schools who were gearing up to use the new facility to train their students? Here was a new business coming in and offering our youth new opportunities but we’ve gone and wasted it. What a shame.

There has been much said about a “vocal minority” opposing the FTG. In reality, I believe there has been a vested interest group pushing the proposal. Due to their position in our area and their money? Their access to the media has been great and the info put out by them, biased, inaccurate and a manipulation of the facts.

If the electorate is given the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, I believe they will never accept the FTG coming to our region.

Sadman