Businesses based at Tyabb airfield unsure over impact of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council crackdown
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s crackdown on firms based at Tyabb airfield has sparked a furious backlash from Peninsula Aero Club members and supporters.
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Peninsula Aero Club supporters have unloaded on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council over its contentious crackdown on operations at the Tyabb airfield.
A front-page article in last week’s Mornington Peninsula Leader reported the council had written to landlords of businesses at the airfield stating they didn’t have permits to operate, despite some having been there for decades.
It is understood that the letters direct the businesses to cease work.
More than 10,000 people have signed an online petition backing the aero club with many posting comments slamming the council.
Lian Gay wrote the airport was an integral part of the community while others said it provided a vital piece of infrastructure.
Aero club president Jack Vevers said he would meet with council officials this week to try and resolve the crisis.
“I still don’t have clarity regarding what they want. I am hopeful we can sort this out,” he told the Leader.
Mr Vevers said he wanted assurances that “people can go back to work without fear of prosecution”.
Staff at several firms told the Leader they were unsure of the full implications with one stating it was “business as usual”.
But others said they had temporarily suspended work until the matter was clarified.
Judy Pay, who runs maintenance firm the Old Aeroplane Company beside the airfield, said she had not been contacted by the council.
Ms Pay said affected business operators were shocked by the council’s stance, particularly because there had been no notice.
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In a statement, the council said it had contacted the aero club and other businesses in the precinct.
“There aren’t any existing planning approvals and there is a need to follow due process and comply with the planning scheme,” it said.
“We will work with all businesses to ensure they comply with the planning scheme so they can operate legally and successfully.
“Council are ultimately seeking the preparation and approval of an agreed airfield master plan and noise management plan.”