The meeting will be held in the late afternoon, which suits local MPs Andrew Stoner, Rob Oakeshott and Luke Hartsuyker, Kempsey Shire Council mayor John Bowell said.

Cr Bowell said the council was making inquires with NSW Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt to get some funding to help support the airport, which is run by the council.

“We provide an essential service,” he said.

“The fact of the matter is that we are providing a service to the State Government in the field of health.

“The Air Ambulance is the responsibility of Health. Why shouldn’t they (State Government) contribute to the upkeep of the airport?”

The meeting will be an opportunity for the community and the council to come together and look at the situation.

Cr Bowell said the Kempsey Airport would cost the council $120,000 per annum over the next three years.

Council general mamager David Rawlings recommended a ‘staged withdrawal’ from the airport last month.

The recommendation included suggestions to draw up a business case for the land which would allow for future development opportunities.

After widespread outcry about the proposal, councillors opted to defer a decision on the future of the facility and seek community feedback on the matter.

A group of local aviators is organising a fly-in day at Kempsey Airport on Saturday, December 5. Everyone is welcome and there will be a barbecue in the afternoon and a large number of interesting aircraft to see.