Council & Business
4 August, 2022
Aerodrome taskforce extension a"no-brainer"
The Maryborough Aerodrome Taskforce has had its term extended for a further 12 months until August next year, which councillors say is a “no-brainer” given the taskforce’s efforts. During the July ordinary meeting last year, councillors...
The Maryborough Aerodrome Taskforce has had its term extended for a further 12 months until August next year, which councillors say is a “no-brainer” given the taskforce’s efforts.
During the July ordinary meeting last year, councillors appointed the six-person taskforce, comprising Neil Arbuthnot, Neville Boyle, Rod Brown, Ian Carfrae, Anthony Ohlsen and Kim Skyring for an initial 12-month period.
The taskforce was appointed to work in four key roles — contributing to the development of a business plan for the aerodrome, undertaking a review of the rescinded 2012 Maryborough Aerodrome Master Plan, identifying the investment required to implement the master plan and the cost benefit, while also providing advice to council on grants and funding opportunities to help implement both the business and master plans.
According to the report tabled to council, eight taskforce meetings have been held to date with lockdowns and restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays in taskforce actions.
The report states the taskforce identified safety and potential risk factors early into its term which further delayed development of a business case, one of the group’s main roles.
The report highlights that because of the safety issue, which concerned pilot landing, priority was shifted to addressing safety and risk issues, with a year-long extension of the taskforce’s term a recognition of the challenges caused by the pandemic and their identification of safety issues delaying completion of the taskforce’s key roles.
Councillor Gerard Murphy said while the taskforce’s extension was a formality, it was important to recognise their efforts.
“This is just a formality but we also need to remember that this council, at its first meeting, made this a priority,” he said.
“This group has done an excellent job, the council officers are doing a good job and as a group we’re going forward.
“To extend it for another year is important, these people know what they’re doing and are experts in their area.”
Cr Grace La Vella said it made sense for the taskforce’s term to be extended given the disruptions of the past year.
“This recommendation is a no-brainer, the taskforce, like many other committees, has been plagued with the unintended circumstances of COVID-19,” she said.
“This group know what they’re doing, as Cr Murphy said, and another 12 months is certainly my expectation.”