Dan Stewart and council shut down claims the newly introduced landing fee is ‘greedy’

Pilots in the region and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA) have expressed their frustration after a landing fee was introduced by the Gympie Regional Council for the Gympie Aerodrome.

Pilots in the region and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA) have expressed their frustration after a landing fee was introduced by Gympie Regional Council for the Gympie Aerodrome.

The introduction of landing fees at the Gympie Aerodrome has sparked frustration among local pilots and aviation advocates, who have labelled the move “greedy” and “ridiculous”.

The new airport fees brought in at Gympie Regional Council’s May meeting as part of this year’s budget, with $13.20 now being taken from pilots’ pockets whenever landing their aircraft.

One unhappy member of the Gympie Aerodrome Facebook group, Robert Golden, posted the letter he received outlining the costly changes.

“In their wisdom, Gympie Council have decide to charge landing fees at the airport,” he said.

Letter outlining the new landing fee specifics for the Gympie Aerodrome.

Another member, Nigel Fotheringham, also expressed his anger over the council’s decision.

“Gympie airfield will be the only airfield in Australia as far as I can make out, that will charge a landing fee for community flights,” Mr Fotheringham said.

“So greedy, you’ve lost me Gympie.

“I used to think it was a lovely town.”

Benjamin Morgan, Head of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Photo: James Croucher

CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA Australia) Benjamin Morgan said the same situation has played out at many airports across the country.

“Imposing fees and charges that get gobbled up and consumed by the fee collector company, is a ridiculous situation and one that only serves to damage the relationship between Council and the local aviation community and the broader aviation industry,” Mr Morgan said.

“AOPA Australia has been successful in pushing back on this very situation at a number of airports nationwide, and we would be happy to get involved again at Gympie to see if commonsense can prevail.”

Mr Morgan has asked locals to come forward and contact him if they have further information to share.

Despite the backlash, Gympie Regional Council have defended their decision, stating the introduction of the fee is consistent with a fee for service model adopted by councils across Australia.

“A fee for service model reduces the burden on rate payers to subsidise costs associated with operating an aerodrome facility,” a council spokesperson said.

“The revenue will be used for repairs and maintenance at the aerodrome facility.”

Councillor Dan Stewart. Photo: Renee Albrecht

Councillor Dan Stewart also defended the decision and said the aerodrome costs the council a “significant” amount of money to maintain.

“To use the aerodrome one has to own a plane or have access to someone who does, thus only a limited number of people in the region are able to use the aerodrome,” Mr Stewart said.

“It is common for landing fees to be charged for people to use aerodromes and airports.”

Mr Stewart said he actually considered the landing fees modest.

“Council requires money to maintain and improve this facility and other facilities across the region, and help foster a cohesive community.”

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