‘You just can’t stop it growing’: Lethbridge airport to hit market after three decades

An airport to Geelong’s north has been put on the market after remaining in the same hands for over 30 years.

Gary Baum is selling the Lethbridge Airport after 34 years of ownership. Picture: Alison Wynd

An airport to Geelong’s north has been put on the market after remaining in the same hands for over three decades.

Gary Baum, who founded Lethbridge Airport, is selling the business after 34 years.

Mr Baum said he’d become a victim to his own success, unable to keep up with the airports growth.

“I turned 74 and I haven’t got anyone else really to take over the business,” he said.

“You just can’t stop it growing, I’d like to sit back and just leave it at the size that it’s at.”

Lethbridge Airport is on the market. Picture: Alison Wynd

After looking at land in Barwon Heads and Gheringhap over three decades ago, Mr Baum landed in Lethbridge.

Since its opening, the airport has primarily serviced businesses.

“The crayfish come in from Tassie,” he said.

“Other blokes head off to their farms.”

The site also is home to a flying school, which has taught thousands of people to fly.

Gary Baum is selling the Lethbridge Airport after 34 years of ownership. Picture: Alison Wynd

Mr Baum said he’s received plenty of interest since putting the airport up for sale.

“A lot of people with a lot of big ideas have been in contact,” he said.

“It’s proven it runs and it works again and again, Avalon are extremely supportive of us.”

While Mr Baum will be selling the business, he isn’t planning on going anywhere.

“I’m hoping I can stay here at the airport,” he said.

“I’m a pilot, so I’m hoping to do a bit more flying, but I’ll stay here as an adviser, at this stage everyone seems to be quite happy with that.”
Expressions of interest will close on September 12.

Originally published as ‘You just can’t stop it growing’: Lethbridge airport to hit market after three decades