Approximately, 147 hectares of land was purchased in the 1930s for establishing and maintaining and aerodrome and is still current today.

The aerodrome operates over 17 hectares of this land. Adjacent to the aerodrome is the Council farm (130 hectares), which has not currently been needed for aerodrome operations.

In 2011, to maximize the use of its assets, Council engaged a specialist aviation industry consultant to assist with the future plan for the aerodrome and to establish a Strategic Development Plan.

Due to ongoing demand for more hangar sites as well as a desire to grow the aerodrome, Council has approved for the Strategic Development Plan to be reviewed with the intention to look at the current infrastructure, business issues, future development, and potential utilization.

The updated strategic report with its recommendations will be used by staff in future planning of the aerodrome. The report will need to consider estimates for future projects that can be included in the draft 2024/34 Long Term Plan as well as, definitive timetabling of such works.

Council is seeking a review of the existing Aerodrome Strategic Development Plan (Appendix C) with consideration for the following:

1. An overview of the current aerodrome infrastructure and facilities and issues arising therefrom

2. Identification and a high-level assessment, including a SWOT analysis of the potential aerodrome development and business opportunities.

3. With each potential activity, development and business opportunity, identify if the current aerodrome footprint can accommodate a 10-year growth.

4. An Aerodrome Strategic Development Plan to align with current regulations.