West Sale Airport Master Plan 2025
Have your say on the next West Sale Airport Master Plan
Wellington Shire Council is pleased to announce the development of the West Sale Airport Master Plan 2025. Recognised as one of Council’s highest valued assets, West Sale Airport has a proud history dating back to the 1940s and continues to serve the community through defence pilot training, aero-medical operations, and other essential aviation activities.
Since 2019, aircraft movements have quadrupled, largely driven by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flight training. This strong growth underpins the need for a contemporary master plan that will ensure development aligns with long-term aviation and community needs.
What is an Airport Master Plan?
An Airport Master Plan is a high-level strategic framework that outlines a 20-year vision for the airport. The Master Plan will address a wide range of issues and opportunities, while balancing technical compliance, functionality, and a range of airport stakeholder input to form the basis for all future development including expansion and highlighting the airport’s potential.
To support this process, L+R Airport Consulting has been engaged to develop the Master Plan, bringing expertise in regional airport planning to help shape the airport’s future direction.
Consultation
Consultation with key stakeholders began in June 2025 and has allowed for planning to progress.
So far, we have received initial feedback to assist in developing a draft Vision Statement and a SWOT analysis through drop-in sessions held in June with L+R consulting.
A survey on the draft Visions Statement and SWOT received lots of interest, closing 28 July.
Draft Vision statement
"West Sale Airport is a diverse aviation hub, supporting investment in the Gippsland region."
What’s Next
The project will move into Stage 3 - Strategy Development, where feedback on the Vision Statement and SWOT analysis will be incorporated into concept plans by Council Officers and L + R Consulting, for both airside and landside development. An important part of stage 3 is considering planning parameters that need to be established for both aviation needs and opportunities. All requirements are to be assessed in line with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) standards, to ensure compliance.
Over the coming months the new master plan for West Sale Airport will be drafted followed by release for public comment.
We expect public comment on the draft in late 2025 - early 2026.
Thank You for having your say and helping plan for the future of West Sale!
If you would like to add your email to the email list for this consultation you can do so here.
