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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

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