POLL: Pilot training facilities, a corporate jet precinct and aviation manufacturing industries are among grand plans for Illawarra Regional Airport in a draft strategy.
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The draft strategic and business plan, which will be considered at Shellharbour City Council's meeting on Tuesday, aims to identify possible short and long-term development strategies for the airport with an eye on generating employment in the region.
Developed by the Business Unit Advisory Board, the plan describes its key objectives as encouraging tourism, transport, maintenance and education sectors and achieving a positive return on the council's investment.
Chairman Peter Roberts said the board considered the plan to be realistic within available resources while also keeping options open for a range of aviation opportunities in the future.
"Its existing infrastructure and location offers exciting opportunities for it to grow with focus on niche activities that can be cost-effectively operated away from major city airports," he said.
Shellharbour Enterprises director Matthew Youell said it was the first plan to create an overall direction for the airport within the context of the local economy and progressive business trends within the aviation industry.
"Its central location to the Illawarra, proximity to Sydney and the South Coast makes the airport an attractive proposition for tourists and business owners as the regional population grows, creating the demand for alternative logistical solutions," he said. "The airport also has significant attraction for aviation manufacturers to establish their workshops and for relevant tourism-based aviation companies to operate from."
Some of the plan's recommendations include adjusting the airport's management structure, reviewing the current lease agreements policy and establishing specialised precincts.
It identifies areas for administration, a café and terminal precinct, corporate jet precinct, helicopter, general aviation and emergency services, and also maps locations for tourism-related industries, transport services and parking.
Land development opportunities include aviation-based tourism industries, residential airpark development, aviation manufacturing industries and pilot training facilities.
The council meeting will be held from 6.30pm on April 28 at the council chambers.
