Toowoomba’s council-owned airport could close down

Toowoomba’s original airport is losing money and in danger of closing down, local users warn.

Toowoomba City Aerodrome (TWB), which was supplanted by Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB) for regular passenger flights in 2015, is currently under financial review by Toowoomba Regional Council, which owns and operates the airport. The review is expected to wrap up by next month.

The regional Queensland aerodrome is used by flying schools and community organisations such as the Darling Downs Aero Club, as well as aeromedical services such as LifeFlight and the RFDS.

Users have banded together under the banner of the Toowoomba City Community Airport group to urge the council to keep the airport open, with a petition launched this month having already attracted around 2,200 signatures.

“The Toowoomba City Community Airport is more than just an airport; it is a vital lifeline and hub for our region,” the petition said.

“It delivers critical emergency responses, drives economic vitality, and provides educational opportunities. Its strategic location and comprehensive services not only save lives but also propel our community towards sustainable growth and connectivity.

“Toowoomba City Airport holds the distinction of being Australia’s longest continually running airport, a testament to its importance in our history and future prosperity. The threat to its existence jeopardises not only these crucial services, but also the safety and wellbeing of all residents in Toowoomba.”

In a statement, Toowoomba Region Mayor Councillor Geoff McDonald said that according to reporting from previous financial years, the council “does not recover the full cost of the aerodrome activities from revenue generated by leases [and] landing fees”.

“Like many of Council’s assets, the Aerodrome is subject to an annual full cost pricing review for both budget and annual financial reporting purposes. The review is being carried out in accordance with National Competition Policy and appropriate sections of Local Government Regulation 2012,” McDonald said.

“Council decided at its February 2024 meeting to not seek tenders for new leases or confirm existing lease renewals for sites at the Aerodrome until the financial review is completed and presented for Council’s further consideration at the June 2024 Committee Meeting.

“All lessees have been advised of the financial review. Any leases finishing during the review period will be rolled over on a month-by-month basis. Council does not have a pre-determined outcome for the review and will fully consider any recommendations raised.”

Kellie Banditt, general manager of privately-owned Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, said Wellcamp would “welcome all current tenants of the TWB aerodrome”.

“We would be very accommodating and will support and help where possible. The facilities at Wellcamp Airport are state of the art and have the capability to cater for the additional movements,” she said.

“At the end of the day, the decision will be up to the Toowoomba Council and whether this would be financially viable moving forward, or if this prime real estate could be used for other things. It is quite rare in a regional town to have an aerodrome and an airport.”

Read the original article from Australian Aviation here.