Frogs Hollow Flyers president Drew Done was on site on Saturday to meet the directors of Sports Aviation Australia (SAA) and hear more on the proposal for the air strip.

He said it was a shock to find out the plan being proposed, but SAA’s statements on continued use and assistance - verbally at least – were welcome.

“It was a bit of a surprise when we found out what was going on – some comments were not so pleasant to be honest,” Mr Done said.

“But we would like to continue the friendly atmosphere of our aero club.

“Aviation is aviation,” he said of the proposal of Chinese students utilising the air strip and skies above the Bega district.

“We are pleased that Eric and Pat [Johnston] have let us use the field for all these years and I would like to see a continuation of cordial relationships.”

Mr Done said the aero club had been using the air field for around 25 years, but said he always knew there was a possibility of them being shifted off.

“Anyone involved in building a hangar there, or the clubhouse, we all knew we were there on a handshake only,” Mr Done said.

“We’ve always known if Eric was to sell the land that we could be kicked off.”

SAA project consultant Norm Boyle said he would “love to see the Frogs Hollow Flyers and model aeroplane club stay, and we would welcome them here”.

However, it would involve all existing structures including hangars and the clubhouse to move to a different site on the large parcel of land.

“I think if this is going to happen, then they are treating us the best way they can,” Mr Done said.

RELATED ARTICLE