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 2045. 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 kicked off in June 2025.

Feedback has been received to assist in developing a draft Vision Statement and a SWOT analysis through the drop-in sessions held in June with L+R consulting. A survey on the Draft Vision Statement and 'SWOT' provided L + R with a range of feedback this stage closed on 28 July 2025. The vision and objectives developed so far are informing the basis for:

  • Strategy development centred around an airport use plan and facilities development plan
  • Implementation considerations including development, staging, triggers and a thorough airport safeguarding plan

The Draft West Sale Airport Master Plan 2045 is in its final preparation stages before being released to the community for the last round of consultation.


What’s Next

The project will move into the 'Draft Master Plan' where feedback on the Draft will be open to the community to be incorporated into the finalised master plan.

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 below.