Expression of Interest For The Lease of The Tenterfield Airstrip

⁠⁠⁠Tenterfield Shire Council seeks expressions of interest (EOIs) from incorporated, not-for-profit community associations or private aviation business operators to develop and manage the day-to-day operations of the Tenterfield airstrip. In the first instance council would expect the successful lessee to keep the airfield in at least its current condition.

However, Council would be interested in hearing from interested parties that may wish to build/expand the existing facility and identify and facilitate any commercial opportunities. Council is motivated to lease the facility on the understanding that the successful applicant would assume the responsibility for all maintenance and outgoings. Council would consider any reasonable rent offer, including a peppercorn rent for an appropriate applicant. Council’s main objective is to offset the cost of maintaining the airfield and remove the burden from the ratepayer.

Located at Schroders Road, between the Bruxner and New England Highways, the airstrip covers 27.48ha, approximately 14km northwest of town.

The Council invites Interested parties to submit EOIs and terms and details/plans of proposals for lease to Tenterfield Shire Council.

EOIs will be assessed on a range of criteria including, but not limited to:

FURTHER INFORMATION

Tenterfield Shire Council wishes to retain ownership of the airstrip but move to a new management model whereby the airstrip is leased to a community group / private business to take over responsibility for the day-to-day management and development of the airstrip.

Council seeks a negotiable lease for a minimum of 5 years (20 years preferable) with similar ongoing term options. However, this is negotiable depending on the needs and plans of the successful applicant. The aim is to secure a long-term management and development arrangement with an incorporated community group (social enterprise) or private sector operator. That, at a minimum, maintains the airfield in at least its current condition.

Council will include conditions in the lease to ensure service-level agreements that provide for the continuity of operation of the airstrip to allow ongoing use by general aviation and emergency services.

While the day-to-day running and management of the site would be the responsibility of the leasing group, Council would retain ownership of the land.

The lessee would be responsible for all general maintenance of the airstrip, including:

There are two hangars at the airstrip currently leased to local aircraft owners, and there is potential for the successful lessee to develop and commercially lease more hangars and generate ongoing income. Council is open to other proposed commercial income-producing activities or business opportunities. Note: Council intends to transfer existing leases to the successful lessee.

Council is interested in considering all offers and ideas. The primary mission is to offset the airfield burden on Tenterfield’s ratepayers without losing or divesting itself of the asset. As such, the Council is flexible and willing to negotiate to achieve the best outcome possible for the community. Council believes this is an excellent opportunity for an aeroclub, glider club, aviation interest group or an aviation business that wants to expand its footprint.

Interested groups and individuals are encouraged to email council@tenterfield.nsw.gov.au with any queries or for further information.

Expression of Interest including terms and details/plans of proposals for lease should be submitted to Tenterfield Shire Council by 2pm, Friday 5 May 2023. No late submissions will be accepted.