Based on what little infomation is allowed out to us, the ratepayers, I don’t think
it “is gone”. People need to be alert as deals are done to resurrect this issue.

As to being “experts”, you don’t need to be an “expert” to read the facts, what
makes it hard, is when the facts are hidden. We just lack open and transparent
government at ALL levels!

But I agree with you Ben, there are vast opportunities out there, but to really
benefit our community needs open discussion on issues. Which means freedom
of information in a timely fashion. Not being told after the event. There is an
old sayng Ben, “many hands make light work”. I’d alter that slightly, and say the
more imput, the better the result.

Sadman

It is funny that in situations such as these we all become ‘experts’ on the subject at hand. I too have been guilty of this and have probably contributed to uneccessary discussion.

I firmly believe there are bigger opportunities out there waiting for our council and community to embrace and welcome and we need to do so in a timely manner.

My husband and I are strongly opposed to the flight training school. It is a receipe for disaster to have students learing to fly over a residential area and 3 schools which are in the flight path being Agnew, St Helens and Granville. Who is going to be the “face” to deal with parents if a plane crashes into one of these schools and little kids are maimed or killed? Twenty million dollars worth it, would it cover litigation costs?

You have said a lot, but said nothing. I am surprised you never answered any of my past questions,
no one to help you Sean?

Now to your latest post. Yes, HB’s airport has increased tourism, but toursim is only one factor in
this regions economy. Many residents and ratepayers have no benefit from tourists in any way,
shape or form. They only experience the down side, increased traffic, limited parking, increased
litter and grafiti and drunken violence. Much of the tourist dollar goes to people and companies
down south. How much stays in the Bay? Tourism and flight training schools don’t mix.

People complained at the last rate increase, so are people in Toogoom, Tiaro, Woocoo etc
happy to subsidise TWO non profitable airports?

In closing Sean, don’t talk to me about an “inwardly focused short, what’s in it for me now approach”
you’ve got the wrong man, try looking in the mirror.

Sadman

Your logic is floored. You ask what has the 20mil provided to the bay? It is clear what is has provided in so far as tourism and an increased capacity to establish major tourism links with bulk carriers. I really don’t think your question needs and answer as it is pretty clear to any business minded person with a long term vision for the area and not an inwardly focused short what’s in it for me now approach. The vision of the council in expanding capacity at the airport is one of the many things the local council has done to support the growth of the region at a time when other areas are stagnant or at a decline in growth.

The benefits are varied and important from emergency services access, tourism, industry and employment, education and basic infrastructure asset development. An air park development would increase investment and spending in the local economy and support the maintenance of the infrastructure already there. Airparks attract people who add to communities and support local businesses. There are plenty of case studies out there supporting this. You would also be aware that the costs to taxpayers of deferring major infrastructure projects equates to an increase in costs exponentially when the time comes to actually start it.

The residents of Hervey Bay and Maryborough get a lot from the facilities there already and just because the actual facility doesn’t return a profit, doesn’t mean other areas aren’t supported by the facility.

How much does the Airlie Beach airpark contribute to the area? How much will a flight traing school
contribute to the Fraser Coast Regional Council? As I have stated before not one cent has been
returned from a $20 million dollar investment at Hervey Bay. In fact both Hervey Bay and Maryborough
airports cost ratepayers!
Tell us Sean, who is the Bay competitive with? What benefit does the bulk Woocoo, Tiaro, Maryborough
and Hervey Bay residents get from our airports.

Sadman

It is much easier to keep light aircraft out of the big jets base so far as safety goes, Maryborough is a great alternative airport for the lighter planes.

As far as the return issue on the Hervey upgrade, the extra income to the whole area from having the services there is spread right across the community and is really an option that a centre like the bay must have to remain competitive.

Flight training, whilst I support it in principal, is a very sporadic industry with schools opening and closing quite regularly. I’m not sure that it’s stable enough to guarantee a constant support base.

At least we agree on one thing, that coucil’s decision “reflects the needs of the entire community”.
After all Woocoo and Tiaro ratepayers are subsidising both these airports now, as well as us!

Ben, let’s put all other issues to one side and focus on why no one in the know wants to live next to
an airport? Added to which, just as many people don’t want to live under the flight path and I don’t
blame them. Adelaide people would love the traing school to came to Maryborough/Hervy Bay, it’s
about as far from Adelaide as you can get.

Sadman

There are many ways both airports could be utilised and some have much lower impacts than others. Curfews, noise restrictions (yes - council could stipulate maximum dB levels for resident aircraft) and other measures could be used but that is not the issue.

The issue is whether or not council wants to properly investigate their airport operations and to prepare a strategy for the future of both facilities.

I won’t respond further on the issue but all I will add is that I hope whatever council choses to do reflects the needs of the entire community and not just Hervey Bay as I keep hearing the Fraser Coast Regional Council being referred to as “Hervey Bay Council”.