The old Aeropelican strip in Newcastle...Whats happening

[Guest Andys@coffs]

Guys

 

Some time ago there was apparently some news that there was a proposed swap of land ownership for the old Aeropelican airfield and I think a field closer to Sydney (Warnervale??)

 

That was quite some time ago and Im not aware of anything else being said.

 

Is there any progress that anyone from Newcastle can comment on....

 

My sister lives in Cardiff and Aeropelican is miles closer than Maitland...

 

Andy

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

yes there is or was an agreement to move the aero club from Wanervale to Belmont.

 

saying that a press release last week stated that the Wyong Council said that the aero club has an agreement with the council that the club can remain at Warnervale until 2020.

 

confusion rules

 

Lake Macquarie Council are eager that operations at Belmont recommence.

 

Once again the big time developers are involved. Meriton or Mirivac.

 

maybe we should seek clarifications from both councils and the developer's company as to their intentions for both strips.

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/forum/australian-aviation-news/21184-wyong-council-denies-forcing-aero-clubs-move.html

 

 

[Guest russ.mullins]

My facts may be a bit wrong here, but to the best of my knowledge the big end of town have taken hold of the pelican strip and plan to turn it into houses. I believe that McCloy's (A big building company) still have a nice private jet hangered there with a pilot on standby to zip them around the country when called upon, but other than that I don't think the owners allow anyone else to use the strip. Bye the way, Cessnock is a bit closer to Cardiff than Mailtland. There is one other closer option, but its not public knowledge and depends upon how often you plan to visit Cardiff

 

 

[Guest DBT]

More info

 

Based on what I have read in the CCAC newsletter, been advised by the CFI (to the best of his knowledge) and read in the media:

 

- YWVA rezoning from aeronautical to light industrial(?) is imminent.

 

- Despite rezoning, both Wyong Council and CCAC agree there is still 10 years to go on the Aerodrome "agreement" (Lease?). Whether this can/will be broken is not clear. I suspect it can by mutual agreement. I don't think the club can be forced to move before 2020. (They may be enticed, however). Rezoning does not necesarily affect Aerodrome ops prior to 2020.

 

- Wyong council owns YWVA land. Mirvac owns YPEC land.

 

- Estimated land value of Warnervale Aerodrome: $50M. The Club is eligible to buy the land from Council, but the last fund raiser came up a tad short.

 

- It seems that Mirvac would prefer to buy and develop the land at Warnervale, rather than develop Belmont/Pelican. They appear to be "negotiating" a deal with Council. Part of the deal may involve relocating the Aero Club to Pelican. The Club would have to agree to this.

 

My analysis: Depending on the terms, relocating may be in the Aero Club's best interest for the future, as they would have no tenure at Warnervale after 2020. Nor would they be in a position to negotiate a "deal" after this date. If they can negotiate a LONG lease at Belmont, this would (hopefully) set them up for continued operation beyond 2020. The deal would be along the lines of: Club moves to Pelican, leasing from Mirvac; This frees Warnervale up for Mirvac to buy and develop (10 years early). Council sells land and is happy. Mirvac profits from development and is happy. Club continues to exist and is happ..ier than if they didn't.

 

PostScript: Come 2020, if CCAC are still @ Warnervale, they are probably toast.