THE fight over the future of the Bendigo airport is set to heat up with the City of Greater Bendigo council soon to reveal its plans for the facility.
The council is expected to release its airport draft masterplan by the end of February, and it is expected to be controversial.
For almost 10 years the council and residents of Bendigo’s east have been in a battle over whether or not to relocate the airport.
Local businesses believe it should stay where it is and have pushed simply for an upgrade to the runway, which is too unstable to hold a large aircraft.
With a major upgrade, commercial airlines could fly in and out of the city.
Residents in the flight path believe the airport should be moved north of the city, to a greenfields site away from houses.
Council chief executive officer Craig Neimann said the council was focused solely on upgrading the airport, not relocating it.
“My understanding is an alternative site is not being considered,” he said.
“The masterplan talks about a new runway parallel to the existing one – but stronger and longer.
“It will have to be built to a certain standard so it can accommodate future need.”
Eastside Community Group chairman Greg Smith did not hide his disappointment that the airport relocation seemed to be off the table.
“They say they listen. They really don’t,” he said.
 “This is ridiculous. They spend all this money on three separate consultants’ reports and only take out of them what they want to suit their argument.”
Mr Smith said the group would challenge any decision by council that wasn’t a relocation.
“They have a fight and a half on their hands,” he said.
“It is unbelievable. Why not build a new airport on a site that will be suitable for the next 50 or 100 years.
‘They are letting people build homes at Epsom and Strathfieldsaye and they are going to be flying planes above their heads.”

anthony@bendigoweekly.com.au