Mr Durrant, who parks and operates his aircraft from the Crookwell Aerodrome, has stated in a letter to the council that he has 'hosted two visits by members of the Canberra Aero-club and the Canberra Gliding club which were carried out in order to determine the viability of the Crookwell Aerodrome for aircraft operations by these respective clubs'.

Mr Durrant indicated a good level of interest from private aircraft operators in Canberra, and potentially Sydney, due to some of the advantages the Crookwell airstrip offers including the absence of air traffic services which are costly for pilots, the absence of controlled airspace for private pilots to contend with, low aircraft traffic congestion to deal with and no costly parking fees. Mr Durrant indicated that whilst the aerodrome possesses distinct advantages over Canberra for private pilots, representatives of the Canberra clubs noted the lack of hangars and amenities as obstructions for potential operators.

Mr Durrant cited potential advantages to the shire in approving the construction of hangars on the aerodrome including the ability for the council to recoup maintenance costs of the airfield, increased tourism and economic development with fuel contracts and tourism revenue being invested back into the community. Mr Durrant also indicated that the Rural Fire Service had expressed their interest in development of the aerodrome in order to support their activities.

Expressions of Interest close on 31Jan10 after which the council will consider development options for the airfield.