All three companies that responded to the expression of interest (EOI) to operate and manage Merimbula airport will be invited to submit a detailed proposal to Bega Valley Shire Council following a motion proposed by councillor Kristy McBain.
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Originally it was thought that a shortlist would be prepared of those invited to submit a detailed tender from the list of businesses that had responded to the EOI.
However when the EOI closed only three EOIs had been received from the 22 businesses that had originally requested information.
This prompted Cr McBain to ask for all three to be allowed to tender after which an independent organisation would be hired to assess the submissions and how they addressed council’s master plan for the airport.
The three companies include one from the current manager of the airport, Airport Agencies Pty Ltd, IAS Airports Pty Ltd and Ambidji Group Pty Ltd.
The matter is not expected to be discussed by council until early November, the general manager, Leanne Barnes told the News Weekly, although council recognises that it is a matter that should be resolved as soon as possible.
In the meantime the existing operational lease at Merimbula airport ceased on June 30, and that was after it had been extended for a further year. Currently the operational lease is extended on a month to month basis.
The meeting resolved:
1. That Council invite Airport Agencies Pty Ltd, IAS Airports Pty Ltd and Ambidji Group Pty Ltd to submit tenders in relation to the management and operation of Merimbula Airport.
2. That the tender documentation and tender evaluation plan be commissioned by the General Manager from an independent body and cover operation and management options.
3. That the General Manager be authorised to appoint an independent tender assessment panel to assess tenders under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and report to her at the conclusion of the evaluation process
