Council & Business
12 May, 2026
Aerodrome Advisory Group increases members
Eight community members will advise council on Mary-borough’s aerodrome following the April council meeting.
Councillors unanimously voted to expand the Aerodrome Advisory Group from five to eight members following their inaugural term.
The group was originally established in mid-2023 to advise council on best practice and support the implementation of the Aero-drome Business Case.
The case outlines the future of the Maryborough Aerodrome, including plans for investment, after concern council had “overlooked” the facility.
The advisory group was formed following this business case and was expanded last month.
Councillor Grace La Vella said the group’s role remained purely advisory.
“All investment and development decisions will continue to be made by council through the normal budget process guided by the financial plan asset plan,” she said.
“This recommendation does not change council’s governance role, it simply strengthens the information and expertise available to inform it.”
According to the recommendation, the candidates were chosen for their breadth of relevant experience which is expected to enhance their ability to provide informed advice to council.
The appointments include Anthony Ohlsen, Melanie Waddell, Cameron Bird, Benjamin Morgan, Ian Carfrae, Rod Brown, John Kidon, and Gregory Thomas Corcoran.
Collectively their expertise in-cludes aviation training, aerodrome-related businesses, emergency management, aerodrome safety, and other relevant fields.
They include applicants from both the community and industry, as well as members of the previous group and users of the aerodrome.
In December, council carried new Terms of Reference for the group intended to improve governance and extend member terms from two to three years — supporting continuity across long-term projects.
It also specified membership of the group would be five community members, however, council officers recommended appointing all eight was justified.
Their reasoning was this would increase the breadth of expertise in the group improving their ability to give advice.
Councillor Geoff Bartlett said he agreed and explained the significance of the local aerodrome.
“This sometimes undervalued asset could be the jewel in our economic crown if the business case is executed fully and kept to the forefront of promoting our shire to prospective private business opportunities,” he said.
“Apart from the obvious economic benefits, the aerodrome also very importantly serves a multitude of vital functions in the areas of health, as a base for the air ambulance, agricultural services base for crop dusting etc, and a strategic base for aerial fire fighting aircraft.”
The advisory group’s three-year term runs from 2026 to 2029.