Pt Cook business plan

Steeped in history

RAAF Base Point Cook is the oldest continuously operating military airfield in the world. The legacy of Point Cook to the history of both Australia and the Air Force began in 1913 when the site was purchased by the Government with a view to forming a military aviation corps. On March 31, 1921, The Royal Australian Air Force was formed at Point Cook with 21 officers, 130 airmen and 170 aircraft. The first pilot to gain his wings at Point Cook was a then Lieutenant Richard Williams, later to become Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams, the “father” of the Royal Australian Air Force. Point Cook played host to many “firsts” in Australian military and civil aviation, including the first circumnavigation of Australia (1924) and first international flight (1926). No. 1 Flying Training School was formed at the base in 1926. Point Cook was home to Australian military flying training for 60 years, from 1933 to 1993, and the base for Air Force educational and training institutions from 1947 onwards. The RAAF College was formed at Point Cook in 1947 and the RAAF Academy in 1961.

A COMPANY comprising retired senior Air Force personnel and civilians has developed a proposal that it believes will help preserve the heritage of the country’s oldest air base – RAAF Base Point Cook.

Point Cook Operations Limited (PCOL) – a non-profit public company formed in 1999 – has formulated a business plan for the historic site based on taking out a long-term lease and conducting a number of commercial activities.

PCOL hopes that these activities, which could include leasing part of the base for education, flying training, conference and accommodation purposes, will generate sufficient funds to maintain the site and fund the ongoing development of the RAAF Museum.

The proposal would save Defence operating costs and prevent the site falling into commercial ownership – an outcome PCOL believes would put the preservation of the base’s heritage in jeopardy.

A spokesman for PCOL said the company’s business plan would not only maintain and protect part of the Air Force’s heritage, it would also celebrate the spirit and the legacy of Australia’s aviation history and the core values of the Royal Australian Air Force.

“Point Cook is not only the birthplace of the Air Force, but also the cradle of Australian aviation,” the spokesman said.

“It is not just another piece of unwanted Defence real estate for sale to the highest bidder, it is a national treasure worthy of ongoing Commonwealth guardianship. Our proposal would ensure its preservation.”

The PCOL proposal considers the future development of the entire site as much of the area contains sensitive wetlands and coastal habitats.

Provisions in the plan would also minimise the risk of nearby commercial and residential developments encroaching on buildings classified by the National Trust and important memorials to the Australian Flying Corps.

The PCOL spokesperson said these provisions would observe and manage these sensitivities, balancing commercial, environmental and heritage factors while still ensuring adequate commercial returns.

In developing the proposal, PCOL has conducted detailed discussions with the local community, Government, Air Force and Defence.

“It [the proposal] not only reflects the views of these stakeholders but also encapsulates the legacy of history and the indebtedness that we owe to the memory of Australia’s fighting men and women,” the spokesman said.

A final version of the proposal was submitted to Defence less than a month ago, and an impartial external body is expected to complete a report on the plan later this year.

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