COUNCILLOR David Lee is calling on the Fraser Coast Regional Council to review the governance of the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Airports. 

Cr Lee said, “The Hervey Bay and Maryborough Airports have come of age. It’s time to consider whether a public administration model is the most effective way to govern our airports.”

“We need to consider whether an alternative governance model such as a private airport corporation is much more effective in strategically promoting and developing our airport infrastructure,” said Cr Lee.

Cr Lee’s motivation is based on bringing the best expertise to the region. Regional Airports are now and the councillor feels to that consideration to a separate organisation to manage the facility needs a better understanding as other regional airports have adopted.

“Our Council staff have done a great job in maintaining our airports but it’s time to seriously consider whether the status quo is strategically ‘fit for purpose’.

 Cr Lee said, “We need more of an entrepreneurial approach in collaborating with the commercial airline and aviation industry and tourism to better promote and attract aviation investment to the region”.

“The management of our airports is a highly specialized field and I have legitimate concerns that a public administration model is no longer suitable.” 

He expanded on this statement that “council can better focus on core business”.

“An Aviation Steering Group with representatives including aviation, tourism, property and the business community could provide expert advice such as developing new flight routes in and out of Hervey Bay,” said Cr Lee. 

“In my opinion, it’s time Fraser Coast Regional Council took a 30 year long term view on the economic development of our Airports. We have an obligation to ensure that our community is getting an economic and commercial return on our airport and logistical infrastructure.”