Aircraft owners and pilots have reached out to AOPA Australia seeking advocacy support and assistance regarding concerns at Merimbula Airport, managed by the Bega Valley Shire Council. Local aviators and airport users have highlighted;
That the Merimbula Airport Advisory Committee was disbanded by the Council over 4 years ago, leaving no formal consultative processes between Council and airport users;
- That Council has introduced requirements for aircraft based at Merimbula Airport to carry excessive Public Liability Insurance coverage, which has driven up the costs of insurance premiums to unaffordable levels. That Council does not require itinerant aircraft visiting the airport to carry the higher levels of Public Liability insurance, directly disadvantaging and discriminating local aircraft owners;
- That general aviation VH-registered aircraft are subject to airport use fees and charges, whilst RAAus registered aircraft are not levied;
- That Council’s approach to aircraft parking charges and arrangements have resulted in owners leaving Merimbula, that this policy approach is damaging the viability of the aviation businesses at the airport.
“AOPA Australia is genuinely concerned with what we are hearing from local airport users at Merimbula Airport and believes it is timely for a broad review of Council’s airport management policies.
“Our association has invited local airport users to participate in an initial meeting, which we will host via Zoom video conference, seeking to fully understand the local concerns at the airport.
“Following this meeting, AOPA Australia will seek a meeting with the Bega Valley Shire Council to further discuss the issues raised. “, AOPA Australia CEO, Mr Benjamin Morgan.
All local aircraft owners and pilots are encouraged to become members of AOPA Australia, to help support the association’s advocacy efforts.
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