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The Sky’s the Limit: Central Coast Airshow Sets Expectations Soaring

Central Coast Airshow Sets Expectations Soaring two men sitting in aircraft with "now you're smiling" written on the side

The Central Coast Airshow held this weekend proved the sky’s the limit for premier events  such as this to provide a much needed boost to our local visitor economy and help establish  the Central Coast as a leading tourism destination.  

Officially opened by RDACC Chair, Lawrie McKinna, the Airshow exceeded expectations for  ticket sales and visitation, and highlighted the many benefits a light aviation precinct would  bring to the Central Coast. 

Mr McKinna says this event was a great source of community pride and demonstrated  what a valuable asset the Warnervale Airport is for the entire Central Coast.  

“The Central Coast Airshow attracted in excess of 20,000 visitors and provided a significant  boost to our local economy,” says Mr McKinna. 

“As well as being a great economic boost, seeing the Central Coast host a successful event  of this calibre is a great source of pride for our local community.  

“It follows in the footsteps of the Avalon Airshow in Victoria — the biggest airshow in the  southern hemisphere — and the Pacific Airshow set to come to the Gold Coast in 2023, which  attracted more than three million visitors when it was previously held in California. 

“These events are injecting much needed funds into the regions in which they are staged, as  well as helping to rebuild the spirit and reputations of their local communities in this post COVID era.” 

RDACC CEO and Director of Regional Development, John Mouland, says the re-instatement  of the Airshow in 2022 is a positive sign that the establishment of a light aviation precinct is  back on the state and federal government agenda.  

“As early as 2015, RDACC has officially supported the development of a Masterplan and  staged development plan for a Central Coast Regional Airport and light aviation precinct, due  to the economic potential this asset would create for the Central Coast, “ says Mr Mouland.

“A precinct of this nature will create around 2,500 local jobs including highly qualified,  technically skilled roles to support and administration positions. It will also help to unlock the surrounding endorsed employment lands and the flow-on effects for local suppliers and  associated industries would have an exceptionally positive impact on our broader community.  

“The re-instatement of the Central Coast Airshow is a positive sign that we are once again  working toward making this a priority for our region. 

“The Central Coast is in phase of rebuilding following a tough couple of years, and undoubtedly  more events of the calibre of the Central Coast Airshow, as well as the development of a light  aviation precinct in our region, will be significant contributors to help strengthen our local  economy and restore our community spirit.” 


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