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West Sale Airport Master Plan sets 20-year vision to drive jobs, investment and regional economic growth

West Sale Airport's new Master Plan outlines a 20-year vision to grow as a key regional asset, driving investment, jobs and training. Council invites community input to shape its diverse future.

By news@gippsland - 7th July 2025 - Back to News

One of two Council-operated airports in the Shire, West Sale Airport is widely considered to be a high standard facility, benefiting the region through business investment and job creation. The airport is a key economic and community asset, providing employment, emergency services functions, a base for businesses and playing a key role in support of RAAF pilot training.

Following June drop-in sessions, consulting drafted a vision statement and SWOT for West Sale Airport's 20-year Master Plan, community feedback is invited until Monday 28 July 2025

Strategic airport vision

The new airport master plan will provide a high-level strategic framework that outlines a 20-year vision for the airport. The plan identifies key strategies to support investment, economic growth, employment and the achievement of long-term Council objectives.

Council is inviting those interested in West Sale Airport to share their thoughts on the airport's Vision Statement to ensure it remains a diverse aviation hub, supporting jobs and investment in the Gippsland region. The Master Plan process is currently in Stage 2, which focuses on setting the future direction of the Airport and adopting its Vision Statement.

As part of this stage, a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis has been undertaken in consultation with stakeholders. This is helping to identify development opportunities and operational constraints while positioning the Airport within the broader regional and wider aviation context.

Have your say

Wellington Shire Mayor Cr Scott Rossetti is excited to see the next stage develop, "Council is committed to ensuring West Sale Airport can grow as a valuable asset for the region and continue supporting jobs, training, and investment in Gippsland. This Master Plan is about creating a clear and sustainable vision for the airport's future and community input is essential to getting it right," he said.

To have your say on the future of West Sale Airport, visit West Sale Airport - Future Vision and SWOT Analysis | Your Wellington Your Say website. Stage two engagement closes Monday 28 July.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
  Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks feedback on new waste charge proposal with various session dates in September and feedback closing on 21 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is consulting on a proposed waste charge for all rateable properties, aiming to fairly share costs and improve transparency around community waste services.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Nationals’ pledge for new Lakes Entrance CFA Station after years of advocacy for improved emergency services
  East Gippsland Council has welcomed The Nationals’ pledge for a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, addressing outdated facilities, improving emergency response capabilities and supporting volunteer firefighters after more than 20 years of advocacy.