On Friday, the NSW Minister for Skills and Regional Development John Barilaro was in Kempsey to personally look at the proposal for a commercial fuel tank at the airport and to hear council’s and the state member’s concerns.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said a fuel tank could not just assist with the expansion of the flying school but within the recreation sector as well.

“There is real potential for a recreational sector here in Kempsey because the two airports both north and south are filled to the brim with commercial flights,” Mrs Pavey said.

“There is also the need for modern fuel services because of the requirements of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and hospital emergency evacuations.

“However, we also need to capitalise on the $2.5 million grant the Kempsey Shire Council secured to build industrial aviation space on the airport precinct where modern facilities are now needed to attract modern business.”

Kempsey Shire Council mayor Liz Campbell said a commercial fuel tank at the airport is the missing link in creating a viable commercial airport precinct.

“The council has been working with the state government and they understand our situation and we have got their support in theory, but what we need now is an announcement to secure the funds,” Cr Campbell said.

“From a community perspective, the full potential of the airport is yet to be realised and everything depends on fuel.  The investment from the council to create an aviation business park has been an enormous investment and this is a project that will work well when we are all on board.”

NSW Minister for Skills and Regional Development John Barilaro told the Macleay Argus the opportunity for investment in partnership with the council will see a great piece of infrastructure being utilised for the benefit of the Kempsey community.

“I think it brings opportunity for the community but most importantly making sure that we utilise a piece of infrastructure in the aviation sector,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Melinda Pavey has been vocal in advocating on behalf of the region and having a chance to meet with council and getting a clear picture of what is planned here is important.

“At the moment I’m just getting a feel for the project and seeing what the opportunity is and I’m confident in the near future we will be making a decision around this particular investment to see if the NSW government can play.”