The Cohuna Airfield will continue to operate, and will stay in community hands.
Landholder Coliban Water today officially handed over the licence of the airfield to the Lions Club of Cohuna, from the Gannawarra Shire Council.
“We are really pleased to confirm the operational future of the Cohuna Airfield has been secured with a 20-year head-licence agreement,” Coliban Water Managing Director Damian Wells said.
“The agreement between Coliban Water and a sub-committee of the Lions Club of Cohuna will take effect on September 30.
“This is great news for the Cohuna region. It means there will be no gap in operations at all and this important asset stays in community hands.
“Everyone involved needs to be congratulated on a remarkable effort.”
The sub-committee includes Lions Club of Cohuna members, members of the Cohuna Model Flying Club and aircraft and hangar owners.
Lions Club of Cohuna President Anthony Troy said the club had one aim from the start.
“We wanted to keep the aerodrome open for both the community and so the Air Ambulance could continue to land,” he said.
“We believe this is a really important asset for the region, one that was too important to lose.
“We are very happy to have it stay open and to work with the Model Flying Club, the Shire, Coliban Water and the hangar owners to keep it that way.”
Local doctor and pilot Peter Barker said the announcement was a great day for the community.
“We are delighted the Lions Club and the new management committee has taken over so seamlessly,” he said.
“We are very pleased with the support from Coliban Water and the Shire in making the transfer happen.”
Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Tom O’Reilly said today’s handover was the best possible outcome for the community and for the future of the airfield.
“The Lions Club of Cohuna is to be commended on their initiative and leadership,” he said.
“The new airfield management committee reflects an outstanding level of goodwill, respect and trust resulting in the optimum outcome being achieved for the community.”