Central Coast Council’s draft strategy for our region’s airport at Warnervale promises a multitude of advantages, both economically and socially, for the region and its inhabitants.
This development not only marks a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility of the Central Coast but also could serve as a catalyst for regional amenity and prosperity.
One of the primary benefits of having a regional airport in this area is the boost to local industry development and economy.
Airports are significant economic drivers, generating employment opportunities directly within the airport facilities and indirectly through related industries such as repairs and maintenance, tourism, hospitality and transport.
The presence of an upgraded airport on the Central Coast would likely attract new businesses and investors, drawn by the improved connectivity and the consequent ease of transporting goods and personnel.
Moreover, a regional airport would greatly enhance the visitor economy, by attracting aviators.
With easier access to aircraft training and potentially short-hop local flights, the region could experience an influx of aviators, drawn to its facilities and prime location outside major air traffic centres.
This increase in interest would not only benefit local businesses but also promote industrial exchange and a broader recognition of the area’s skills and economic capability.
Improved connectivity is another significant advantage as new electric light aircraft will likely play an increased role in moving people around over short distances.
For residents, the airport would provide greater opportunity, allowing for more convenient aviation for both personal and professional purposes.
For businesses, it could facilitate more efficient logistics and supply chain management, which is crucial in today’s economy.
In addition to economic benefits, the airport would also contribute to the council’s economic stability.
The airport as it stands, has been and remains a drain on the Council’s coffers, though the new strategy could turn this into an operation that delivers a surplus.
Importantly it could also act as a hub for emergency services, providing rapid response capabilities in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies, which are particularly pertinent given the region’s susceptibility to bushfires and floods.
However, it is crucial to balance these advantages with environmental considerations.
Porters Creek wetland is a significant and important ecological reserve and deserves to be protected.
Sustainable practices and careful planning must be integral to the airport’s development to minimise its ecological footprint and ensure it aligns with the community’s environmental values and needs.
The new strategy for the regional airport on the Central Coast offers a myriad of benefits, from economic growth and enhanced connectivity to improved emergency response capabilities.
The draft strategy deserves to be taken seriously and should now invite sincere and well-considered public feedback to improve its design.
If executed with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, the new strategy could mark a new era of prosperity and connectivity for the region.
David Abrahams – Managing Editor