Use of Tenterfield Airstrip RFT

Tenterfield Shire Council has invited tenders for the purchase of Tenterfield Airstrip, Schroders Road, Tenterfield, between the Bruxner Highway and New England Highway, 14 kilometres north-west of the Tenterfield township. The Tenterfield Airstrip RFT is a controversial tender.

The airfield has been used by light aircraft since the 1960s. The grass runway is approximately 1200m long. It is unlicensed and currently used for general aviation, Angel Flights, fertiliser spreading, and light aircraft training flights.

Benjamin Morgan, CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (Australia) was concerned about the loss of this airport and other rural airports in a media report in July.

“Tenterfield is just another example in a growing list of airport sites that are facing the real threat of sell-off, in response to spiralling local council debts nationwide—this is a crisis in the making, ”

“Such outcomes nationwide are serving to further displace aviation through the introduction of uncontrolled commercial fees and charges, undermining the viability of aviation services throughout regional Australia.”

Tenterfield Shire Council is inviting parties to submit offers, terms and details and plans of proposals for purchase with possible uses.

The 27.5 hectares of freehold land is zoned RU1 Primary Production under Tenterfield LEP 2013; and located within the rural residential subdivision ring around Tenterfield where lot sizes can go down to a minimum of one hectare under Clause 4.2C of Tenterfield LEP.

Tenders will be assessed on a range of criteria including:

🛩️  Proposed future airstrip operations for a minimum of five years

🛩️  Proposed commercial development of the site as a whole

🛩️  Capacity to deliver on proposed site development options

🛩️  Evidence of previous experience in airfield or aviation industry and operations

🛩️  Proposed community benefits

The highest offer will not necessarily be the preferred tender provided to the council for consideration of sale.

Madrigal has aviation experience and can assist in the preparation of your tender. The Tenterfield Airstrip RFT closes at 2pm on Wednesday 16 November 2022.