Mornington Peninsula Shire Council lifts stop work order on firms at Tyabb airfield
A stop work order slapped on firms at Tyabb airfield has been temporarily lifted, but tensions remain between Peninsula Aero Club and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
South East
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A stop work order that hit 100 workers and 20 businesses at Tyabb airfield over missing permits has been temporarily lifted.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council had abruptly imposed the stop work, telling landlords permits enabling businesses to operate at the airfield could not be found.
Council sources last week confirmed the stop work at the Peninsula Aero Club-run airfield had been lifted.
Aero club president Jack Vevers said the council had lifted the order while it holds discussions with the club on a range of issues.
“The shire has said they will not prosecute — they’ve given us a stay of execution while we are talking,” he said.
“But the notices have not been (completely) withdrawn. Everyone is still very exposed.”
Mr Vevers said he hoped the matter could be settled without litigation.
Mayor David Gill said the council wanted a “fair and reasonable outcome”.
“We want to see a master plan and noise abatement plan,” he added.
“We’re there to serve the community and they’re part of the community. The council has due process to follow.”
A landlord, Graham Hosking, who owns a site that includes a business at the airfield, said he was livid over the council’s actions.
“They have put at risk people’s businesses and employment to create a shock reaction which they hope will give them negotiating benefits.”
Mr Hosking said the council’s crackdown was grossly unfair for workers who had mortgages and had to “put food on the table”.
“It’s a bloody good community asset with millions of dollars of infrastructure in and around the airport.”
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The council crackdown followed long-running tension between it and the PAC over issues including noise and compliance with regulations at the airfield.
Some residents have repeatedly accused the PAC of flouting guidelines on when aircraft can fly and allowing excessively noisy planes to use the airfield.
The council and PAC officials will meet again soon to discuss the issue.