The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome is facing an uncertain future as a result of proposed residential developments.
Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee president Dr Richard Gates has told Echonetdaily that proposed and future residential development on and around the aerodrome are ‘a guaranteed recipe for closure’.
Dr Gates said if the developments go ahead the runways would be compromised.
‘The evidence we have shows that all four are used in Section 44 Bushfire Emergencies even if they are marked as being inactive or closed,’ Dr Gates said.
‘We have extensive photographic evidence of such use. (Richmond Valley) Council tried to deny this evidence.’
‘Given that Richmond Valley Council is one of the most disaster-affected local government areas in NSW how they justify such a compromise?’
‘Why would they put local residents and important infrastructure at risk?’
‘It will also affect the RAAF’s use of the airfield for training exercises. At least once a year it has on-ground facilities for training purposes.
Dr Gates said the private consortium, Evans Head Airpark, has been given an option to purchase the airfield for $2.5 million.
‘We understand council shopped around for a price for the aerodrome acceptable to the proponent.
‘We have the details of at least two valuations. We understand there were four obtained seriatim and not simultaneously.
Dr Gates said Richmond Valley Council was giving the airfield away.
‘There is nothing to stop the proponent getting an approval and then on-selling it for residential development once it has left council’s hands. There is nothing to stop this from happening.
‘There was never any tender for the sale of the whole aerodrome.
‘Amazing that you can buy a whole airfield for $2.5 million when a building block along Currajong Street is advertised at $280,000 by LJ Hooker. That’s nine building blocks, same number on sale on Currajong St right now.
‘There is also a proposal for a development for the RSL LifeCare site on the aerodrome (OASIS).
‘This development has many of the problems of the RSL Lifecare proposal and is certainly not in keeping with the Heritage significance of the site. There are safety and other issues.
‘We note that Planit prepared the plans/DA for OASIS. Planit also prepared same for Iron Gates which is now rebadged as “Vantage at Evans”.
Dr Gates said the Heritage Council needed to step up and not allow all this residential to proceed around the aerodrome.
‘It will destroy the aerodrome and its significance as a State Heritage Listed item. However when has the State government ever bothered to listen to Heritage?
‘Failing this the matter should be the subject of independent investigation. Much of this has been happening out of the public view.
‘Council has a long history of trying to destroy the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome going back more than 20 years using the tried and true ‘Death by a thousand residential cuts’ method.
‘It is having some success in Casino.’
