13/08/2025
Dear CEO, Mayor and Councillors,
We write to formally object to the proposed increase in fees and charges at Toowoomba City Aerodrome (TCA), as outlined in the recent ISG Committee Review and AEC Benchmarking Report.
TCA is a community-based ASSET that plays a vital role in supporting local aviation, emergency services, and regional economic development.
The proposed landing fees—$15 per tonne for aircraft ≤5.7 tonnes and $18 per tonne for aircraft >5.7 tonnes—now EXCEED those charged at nearby large-scale facilities, which have vastly superior infrastructure and services.
TRC is now raising fees to untenable levels. This raises serious concerns about the rationale behind the fee structure and its alignment with Council’s stated goals of rebuilding trust and attracting new users to TCA.
We note the following key issues:
Excessive Fee Increases: The changes already introduced on 1 July 2024 represent increases of over 50% for some operators. This is not sustainable for community and commercial users alike.
Benchmarking Misuse: Benchmarking, as presented in the AEC report, is not an agreed or legislated method for determining commercial fees for local government assets. The Local Government Act 2009 is clear:
o Section 97 permits cost-recovery fees only where they reflect the actual cost of delivering a regulatory service.
o Section 262(3)(c) allows commercial charges only when Council is supplying a service or facility—not when acting in a regulatory capacity.
Misalignment with Comparable Aerodromes: The AEC benchmarking shows TCA’s fees are now higher than many comparable aerodromes, including those with more extensive infrastructure and services.
For example, Archerfield Airport charges $18 per tonne regardless of aircraft size, yet offers significantly more in terms of facilities and access.
Community Impact: These fee increases risk undermining the viability of local aviation businesses, emergency services, and community groups. They also threaten the broader economic growth of the region by discouraging aviation activity at TCA.
Lack of Consultation: While lessees were consulted regarding weight categories, broader consultation with affected users regarding the fee increases has been insufficient. The community deserves a transparent and inclusive process.
AEC Review: It is a timely reminder that the AEC Review (which TRC requested) lists 20 recommendations for TRC to implement, targeting fractured relationships, poor lease management, and a lack of promotion for our Aerodrome.
The failure to implement the 2018 Master Plan and refusal to consider our Aerodrome as an asset shows TRC’s severe lack of understanding as to the value of our industry.
Considering these concerns, we respectfully request that Council:
o Reconsider the proposed fee increases;
o Engage in meaningful consultation with all stakeholders;
o Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 2009;
o Restore TCA’s role as a community-focused, economically enabling asset;
o Implement the recommendations as per the AEC Review.
