The owner of a private airstrip at Tungamull - off Keppel Sands Road - has responded to claims by Rockhampton Regional Council it stepped in to prevent him running a commercial flying operation from his cattle-grazing property.
Businessman Roger Toole was taken to court by the council but maintains that he acted at all times with the knowledge and acquiescence of the planning authority when he built the airstrip, hangars and fuel store.
I AM compelled to respond to the recent media release issued by Rockhampton Regional Council about my airstrip. I need to clarify that I have at all times been open with the council and have endeavoured to address any concerns they may have. I refute any suggestion I acted improperly as I have sought only to do the right thing by the council and the community.
The facts are, I built the airstrip following the receipt of two letters from council telling me that I could do so (dated March and July 2010). Further, the council approved my aviation fuel facility in April, 2011. Council officers had inspected my property and I provided full details of my proposal in writing. To date, the airstrip and its usage remains well within those parameters and I have provided confirmation documentation to RRC. As Judge Rackermann stated in his ruling: "no secret was made of this development and it occurred with the knowledge and acquiescence of the council". His Honour further concluded that usage "...on any view has typically been of the order of only about a handful of flights per week on average".
It is true that I had invited the Cessna 182 Association of Australia, of which I am a member, to fly into my new airstrip for a fundraising event. The fly-ins are held in different locations throughout Australia twice a year. The event was not advertised publicly, however, as soon as I became aware my airstrip may not be lawful, I relocated the fly in. It proceeded at another local airstrip with 21 aircraft and 74 members, raising almost $6000 for local charities, as well as contributing to the local tourist economy.
I have only done what the RRC previously advised and approved. I have been willing and available to meet with RRC and discuss this matter at all times in an effort to resolve the matter, both prior to and since they elected to proceed to court. I have agreed to lodge a development application, the preparation of which is well underway. I am focussed on resolving the matter and have no intention of responding further publicly.
- Roger Toole
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