Tamworth Regional Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of Tamworth Regional Airport, with work now underway on an updated Master Plan that will guide the airport’s use and development over the next 10 to 20 years.
Council has appointed aviation planning specialists To70 Aviation Australia to lead the project, which will provide a long-term framework for future airport planning, infrastructure, land use, safeguarding and investment priorities.
Tamworth Regional Airport is one of the region’s most significant assets, supporting passenger travel, business and industry, flight training, general aviation, aeromedical and emergency services operations, and broader regional economic growth.
The updated Master Plan will build on previous work, including the airport’s 2015 Master Plan and 2019 review, to identify what remains relevant and where changes may be needed to respond to current and future needs.
Manager Economic Activation and Analysis at Tamworth Regional Council Anna Newell said the project will help ensure the airport remains well positioned to support the region for decades to come.
“Tamworth Regional Airport plays a vital role in connecting our community, supporting local businesses and industries, and providing important services including flight training and emergency operations.”
“This Master Plan is about taking a long-term view of how the airport can continue to grow and meet the needs of our region while ensuring we plan responsibly for future opportunities and challenges.”
The Master Plan will consider a broad range of issues, including current airport operations, future aviation demand, passenger services, general aviation activity, flight training, emergency and aeromedical services, airport access and parking, infrastructure requirements, land use and future development opportunities.
Airport safeguarding will also be a key focus of the project. This includes protecting the safe operation of aircraft and ensuring surrounding land use and development decisions do not unnecessarily constrain the airport’s long-term role and function.
Community and stakeholder input will play an important role in shaping the updated Master Plan, with Council seeking feedback from a broad range of stakeholders including residents, airport users, businesses, aviation operators, airport tenants and other interested community members to help inform future planning and priorities.
Community consultation will include a Have Your Say questionnaire, stakeholder workshops and targeted discussions with key groups throughout the project.
Mrs Newell encouraged community members to get involved and share their views.
“The airport belongs to the whole region, and it’s important that we hear from the people and organisations who use it, work there, rely on it or have an interest in its future,” she said.
“Community feedback will help us better understand priorities and opportunities as we develop a practical roadmap for the airport’s future.”
The Master Plan is a strategic planning document and will not automatically approve, fund or deliver individual projects. Instead, it will provide a clear direction to guide future planning, investment and decision-making.
Consultation is open now through Council’s Have Your Say page. Participants who provide their contact details and complete the questionnaire will automatically go into the running to win one of three $150 fuel vouchers, with winners drawn on Tuesday, 18 August. Stakeholder workshops and meetings are scheduled throughout July and August.
For more information, project updates and the questionnaire, visit Council’s Have Your Say page: https://haveyoursay.tamworth.nsw.gov.au//tamworth-regional-airport-master-plan
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage