Rob Stokes, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Media Release, 17 February 2021.

Emergency services, the Central Coast Aero Club and other users will be able to fly more freely now that the NSW Upper House has voted overnight to repeal the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the repeal of the Act follows an independent review.

“Warnervale Airport is the only airport of its size to have a unique Act of Parliament, which is clearly unnecessary,” Mr Stokes said.

“The repeal of this Act will reduce complexity, support local aviation and allow emergency services to better respond to bushfire and medical incidents.”

The review was led by planning expert Abigail Goldberg and aviation specialist Peter Fiegehen, who found the Act unnecessary, hard to administer and overly complicated.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said an overwhelming majority of the community supported repealing the Act.

“Our community has given its clear support, with three quarters of nearly 1,000 submissions in favour of this reform, supporting findings of the independent review
that concluded the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act is not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Crouch said.

“Dozens of aviation trainers and students use the runway every day, as well as medical evacuations and bushfire emergency responses. Their safety must continue to be
prioritised.”

Central Coast Council has resolved to prune the trees to the north of the airport in line with Civil Aviation Safety Authority guidelines for night flight operations.

MEDIA: Alex Cauchi | Minister Stokes | 0436 443 737
Ben Sheath | Mr Crouch | 0403 767 636