Kempsey Shire Council will increase its engagement with some members of the community over the development of the Australian International Aviation College at Kempsey Airport. A new Kempsey Airport Reference Group made up of four community members will also be established.
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The decision comes after criticism from a number of community members who claim council has failed to be open and transparent about the progression of the $18 million flying school expansion at Kempsey Airport.
President of the Save Kempsey Airport Action Group, Adam Ulrick addressed the most recent council meeting on Tuesday February 20, voicing concern over council’s community engagement process.
“The fact that the community as a whole had not been fully informed from as far back as 2010 or consulted until mid 2017 is bad enough,” Mr Ulrick said.
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“Community concerns, founded and ill founded, are many and have been engendered by what some have said are a lack of transparency and community consultation in relation to changes at Kempsey Airport,” the February 20 council business papers stated.
It was decided in the meeting that council will notify anyone who has previously made submissions on the topics of aircraft noise or the Development Application (DA) document, should there be any changes to the DA.
It was also decided that recommendations on any variations to the existing Airport DA will come back to council for a decision and not be determined by council staff.
“This will mean any decisions about changes to the DA will be made in the public arena,” a statement from council read.
Kempsey Airport Reference Group (KARG)
A new Kempsey Airport Reference Group (KARG) will also be established.
The group will consist of four community members: president of the Save Kempsey Airport Action Group Adam Ulrick, president of the Macleay Valley Business Chamber Gary Scott, local organic garlic farmer Sally Ayre-Smith, and Maree Hayes who represents the Macleay Valley’s education and youth sectors.
The KARG will provide assistance in formulating the Noise Management Plan (NMP) and Fly Neighbourly Agreement (FNA) which will guide the conditions of use for all Airport users.
