Pelican rising

Mirvac subsequently offered the property for sale as it was ‘non-core’ to its strategy and it was acquired by an aviation-centric consortium in 2014. That group consisted of Matt Hall Racing, Skyline Aviation Group, Airborne Windsports, Skydive the Beach and one private investor. Together they set about revitalising the site for the very purpose forwhich it was built – aviation.

In the intervening years the airport had fallen into some disrepair. While the grass was kept in a tidy state by a caretaker, the hangars and terminal buildings had suffered at the hands of time. Fortunately the runway had remained fully serviceable, but splashes of graffiti were common and some structures required work for them to be safe and operational. Four buildings had collapsed and at everyturn there seemed to be rubbish and unwanted items stored and then forgotten. From household litter to a number of car chasses, 70 ‘skips’ and a variety of trucks were filled and their loads conveyed for disposal.

The original terminal building had floors replaced and a coat of paint, while Matt Hall’s team refurbished and secured one of the hangars. Slowly the airport regained the appearance of an operational facility and with it came a new name – Lake Macquarie Airport.

More than just a name The news of the consortium’s acquisition was met with a very positive response by both community and council and the new title served a number of purposes. It better identified the airport’s location to the public and tied in the greater community of Lake Macquarie. The community had supported the retention of the airfield and even initiated a ‘Friends of the Airport’ lobby group.

Of a weekend the carpark now fills with visitors and children watching the various craft take to the air. From trikes and parachutists to the impressive sight of Matt Hall’s high energy joy flights, the skies above Lake Macquarie are once again hosting the sights and sounds of aviation. The new owners have installed picnic tables and the absence of towering barbed wire fences offers the welcoming feel of aviation from yesteryear. The airport even has its own Facebook page.

The airport’s location is also ideal. It is a sea level airfield offering light aircraft the performance benefits associated with that. Off the eastern end of Runway 07/25 is direct access to the highway, with the waters of

The skies above Lake Macquarie are once again hosting the sights and sounds of aviation.

Lake Macquarie to the west. It is both highly functional and unquestionably picturesque. It is little wonder that it had successfully supported an RPT service for so many years.

Matt Hall points out that there is still some way to go before the airport ramps up to full operational status. To achieve that, such issues as providing fuel onsite and organising the oversight of an Airport Manager are needed, so for the moment aircraft movements are maintained at a lower level on a case-by-case basis. Still, potential regular users can become members of the airport, availing greater access.

The smaller nature of the consortium also offers the ability to maintain focus. With only five members it is not limited in its future direction by multiple stakeholders and has the ability to take its vision forward. . . and there is certainly a vision.

The vision

The 15 hectare site at Lake Macquarie Airport is effectively a blank canvas. When discussing the future of the site, Matt prefers to use the term ‘vision’ to describe the airport’s future. This is not purely an artistic turn of phrase as the consortium recognises the need for a safe and measured manner in developing the airport and at this time, nothing is written in stone. It has huge potential, but they also wish to ensure that they venture down the right path from the outset.

Currently the former terminal building provides office space for the various operators and a cafe has just opened each weekend to welcome visitors and passing motorists alike. One also wonders whether a motel on site would be a suitable business to complement the airport. The possibility of hangars being built at this scenic airfield is also a consideration, but the best means to achieve this is still something for the drawing board. For his part, Mattcan foresee a full-scale Matt Hall Racing facility where his race-plane development ‘skunk works’ and joy flights can operate side by side.

Whether Lake Macquarie Airport sees an RPT service return is another interesting question. It would undoubtedly be good for the community and good for aviation in the region. Matt relates that there are an estimated 200,000 potential passengers per annum that could use the service. And as Newcastle Airport grows more and more in scale, reaching farther internationally and interstate, perhaps Lake Macquarie could become the ideal regional hub for the area.

Against the flow

In an era when airports are valued targets for developers and aviation is a hunted breed, Lake Macquarie Airport is a glowing exception. Far from being a voice in the wilderness, the consortium was supported by a visionary local council and a positive community in protecting a valuable aviation asset for the public good.

In this instance the main players have recognised the positive benefits that can flow on from an airport and the services, employment and opportunity that it brings to the region. Careful planning in partnership with a greater vision stand to unlock the potential of this site and the possible directions that growth could take is fascinating.

Even so, regardless of what the future holds, one senses that this will remain a place where aviation is valued and the passion for flight fostered. It is no coincidence that the picnic tables were among the first amenities installed by the new owners as this is an airport with the ‘welcome’ mat out. And while the sound of the Twin Otters may have long been silenced and there is not a Phoenix to be seen, Lake Macquarie Airport may well be a case of ‘Pelican rising’.