General News
24 March, 2026
New policy protects aerodromes
The Yarriambiack Shire Council has adopted a new Aerodrome Activities Policy to ensure the primary, aviation-related functions of its council-owned facilities are protected.
Mayor Andrew McLean said the council acknowledged the critical role its aerodromes play in the region and supported “aviation-related activities that align with the primary purpose of the aerodrome”.
“We have seen the expansion of a flight school being enabled at our aerodrome in Warracknabeal through the support of the Warracknabeal Aero Club,” he said.
“In addition, council has endorsed, following community consultation, the construction of a private aeroplane hangar at the Hopetoun Aerodrome.”
The council operates two Civil Aviation Safety Authority-certified aerodromes, in Hopetoun and Warracknabeal, both on council-owned land.
The facilities are certified to handle emergency and medical aid aircraft.
“As a council, we support exploring funding options to expand the fuel options at the Warracknabeal Aerodrome, and we are currently awaiting funding opportunities to do so,” the mayor said.
The policy confirms the council’s position on appropriate aerodrome use, such as flight schools, but not activities that require a Notice to Airmen to be issued.
“[NOTAM] effectively prevents aircraft, particularly emergency services, from accessing the aerodrome,” he said.
“We also do not support activities that could compromise the aerodrome runway.”
Oil, tyre marks, or foreign object debris can compromise the runway and airstrip, leading to the closure of the aerodrome.
“As a Council, we must consider the primary purpose of our aerodromes and whether events outside that purpose place additional burdens on Council resources and increase liability risks,” Cr McLean said.
“With the significant financial pressures Council is facing, the increasing demand to respond to mining and renewable energy land use changes, and ongoing cost shifting from governments, we are unable to allocate the substantial staff and financial resources required to consider events outside the primary purpose of the aerodromes.”