By
LACW Simone Liebelt
POINT Cook, the world’s oldest military airfield and birthplace
of the Royal Australian Air Force, is to be retained in public
ownership instead of being sold.
The airfield and majority of the land is to be leased to a National
Aviation Museum Trust.
The announcement on February 29 at Point Cook’s Air Pageant
coincided with the 90th anniversary of the first flight of a Bristol
Boxkite at the base in 1914.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Fran Bailey
said the Government had decided not to proceed with the sale of
Point Cook because the RAAF College requires continuing support
until its relocation. The decision also acknowledged the representations
of the veterans’ community and aviation enthusiasts.
About 210 hectares will be leased by the Museum Trust, which will
have management responsibility for the area. The Trust will:
- manage
the aviation activities on the site for educational, recreational
and commercial purposes;
- oversee
the development of a National Aviation Museum;
- preserve
the heritage buildings; and
- ensure
the local community and veterans’ groups are consulted.
Defence
will continue to train Air Force personnel at the present College
facilities until it is relocated to RAAF Base East Sale.
The RAAF Museum, the Parade Ground, the Australian Flying Corps
memorial and the Australian Air Force Cadets will continue to
be managed and maintained by Defence. The Federal Government will
also negotiate with the Victorian Government on the future of
98 hectares of significant environmental land to the east of the
runway and the coastal strip.
Ms Bailey said the establishment of a Trust would ensure a bright
future for Point Cook.
“For over 90 years, the Royal Australian Air Force has trained
thousands of personnel at Point Cook,” she said.
“These personnel fought for Australia’s freedom in two
World Wars and have guarded our skies ever since. The establishment
of a Trust will ensure a lasting legacy is made to these veterans.”
Point Cook Preservation Action Group Chairman Mark Pilkington,
welcomed the announcement as a victory for all Point Cook veterans.
See also High point.
