Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Airpark Land Negotiations

Negotiations already underway with four of the eight property owners

By Latrobe City Council - 1st July 2002 - Back to News

"These four properties comprise approximately 90% of the land we are seeking to purchase. This will allow for the development of the Airpark and the future expansion of the airport over the next ten years or so," Mr Hancock said.

The development of the Airpark was recommended in the 1998 Airport Master Plan and the value of this project was recognised by the State Government in the Latrobe Valley Ministerial Taskforce. Funding of $2m was provided by the Taskforce for the purchase of the properties and for the initial infrastructure development of the Airpark.

"The Airpark concept is common overseas and is now being implemented in Australia. It is expected that investment and employment opportunities will be created by developing clusters of aviation related light industries at the Latrobe Regional Airport," Mr Hancock explained.

"Federal Government funding is now also being pursued to further assist with infrastructure development and the marketing and promotion of the Airpark. We have received some encouraging signs from the Federal Government so far," Mr Hancock said.

"Each of the four property owners that we are currently negotiating with have signed confidentiality agreements with Council, and this means that the content and outcomes of the negotiations remains between the parties.

"This does not prevent the property owners seeking their own expert advice throughout the process, and Council is paying their legal costs," Mr Hancock said.

Mr Hancock said that he was hopeful that all of the properties would be purchased through negotiation.

A statutory planning process would be required to rezone the land and in the event that not all properties can be purchased by negotiation, this would include an acquisition overlay to enable Council to compulsorily acquire properties. This process would take about 9–12 months from commencement, and there would be opportunity for the public to make submissions to Council about the Airpark. Council has not commenced this process to date while negotiations are continuing.

Mr Hancock said that the Airpark was a significant economic development initiative for the Latrobe Valley and the region, that over time would attract new investment and employment. "The growth of Gippsland Aeronautics has clearly shown that there is huge potential for the aviation industry in Latrobe City," Mr Hancock concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
  The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.
• Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
  The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
  The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness.