Council has requested a full report be prepared on the drag racing concept as well as other potential uses for the taxiway and runway.

It follows much community angst over the airport after council’s general manager released a report urging a “staged withdrawal” from the facility.

The drag racing issue was raised by Cr Alan Snowsill, who moved a notice of motion requesting a business plan for the airport be brought before council before any decision was made to host drag races or other activities there.

“Should anything happen out there, for instance a fuel spill or fire, I would hate to think what would happen,” he said.

“And any flotsam left over could cause serious injury to an aircraft taking off or landing there.”

Cr Snowsill said he was unaware how often the runway was inspected, but expressed concern that activities such as brake tests on buses and safe driving schools had previously taken place at the airport.

“What type of wear and tear is this causing to the runway,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to CASA and they’ve said it’s your airport, do with it as you will, but they’re not for it in any way, shape or form.

“Let’s not go crucifying what we have out there. Use common sense. Say no to this.”

Despite Cr Snowsill’s plea other councillors were willing to at least entertain the idea of drag racing at the airport.

“What worries me more is the noise,” Cr Jim Gribbin said.

“There is no way a car would damage the runway more than an aircraft.

“We have to look at other options to keep this airport open.”

Cr Janet Hayes agreed.

“This could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars. It could be an answer to a maiden’s prayer. I don’t know,” she said.

General manager David Rawlings said council was yet to receive any official submission to stage a drag race at the airport.