Council on Monday night confirmed its support for the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act, and resolved that the current 1196-metre runway not be extended, removed or altered. 

Council decided that all works at Central Coast Airport would be suspended, unless they were required by law, or if that suspension would expose council to liability.

Council also resolved that the money allocated by the former council to the airport’s development would instead by redirected to employment-generating projects in the former Wyong local government area.

A report on that plan would be put to the February 12 meeting of council.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act safeguarded the community, and any future development of the airport must have that in mind.

“There is a view there are better employment-generating options out there, other than developing the airport, and we want to explore those options,” Cr Smith said.

“It is crucial for the progress of the Coast that we find the right balance between the built and natural environment.

“The airport is near the Porters Creek wetlands and we need to ensure any development is sensitive to the biodiversity of the area which  protects the water quality in the Tuggerah Lakes estuary now and into the future.” 

Council will also prepare a report to protect the biodiversity of the Porters Creek wetlands.

Meanwhile, the council’s plans to amend its code of meeting practice to include fortnightly meetings, a community forum and a simplified order of business, will be put out on public exhibition.

Council is required to meet at least 10 times a year, under the Local Government Act. Council will easily meet this obligation by seeking to hold meeting on the second and fourth Monday of every month from February to November inclusive, with one further meeting on the second Monday in December. 

Meetings would continue to alternate between Gosford and Wyong.