Following months of determined lobby, the New South Wales Government has directed Crown Lands to undertake a review of it’s community engagement and decision making that lead to a decision to close Katoomba Airfield to helicopter and commercial aviation activities.

“AOPA Australia thanks Mr Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for initiating this much needed review, highlighting the aviation industry’s need for Katoomba Airfield,” Benjamin Morgan, AOPA Australia CEO.

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment earlier this year informed FlyBlue (Katoomba Airfield Leaseholder) that no lease would be offered and that FlyBlue’s licence to operate the airfield was to be terminated and replaced with a licence which banned prohibited helicopter flights and commercial aviation activities.

“Over the past few months we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support we have received from members of the aviation industry, in particular AOPA Australia and it’s executive, together with numerous clubs and aviation enthusiasts, ” Derek Larsen, Director of FlyBlue.

“As a result of this support, we are pleased to inform that Mr Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has officially instructed the Crown Lands Commissioner to carry out a review of the process in relation to the Katoomba Airfield lease application.

“We welcome this independent review and look forward to the findings of the Commissioner.” he said.

Click the image below to download a copy of the NSW Government Terms of Reference: