Since 1966 it has been used by the Bega District Hospital, Bega Valley Shire Council, fire brigades, most of the emergency services, skydiving clubs from Victoria, NSW, ACT, work crews to construct Bega Cheese packaging plant, search and rescue, shark patrol, aviation enthusiasts, model plane clubs and many other uses, including the media.

I have paid the rates, taxes and insurance over that time. I believe the airfield to be an asset to the valley, but I was wrong. I apologise for my property causing so much pollution from noise and aviation fuel over the shire.

To avoid this, I intend to close Frogs Hollow airfield from April 30, 2018.

As a concerned Frogs Hollow resident and ex private pilot, I was astonished to learn today that neither the media department of Rex Airlines nor the managing director of Free Spirit airlines were aware of the proposed Frogs Hollow Chinese flying school.

The flying school will undoubtedly affect both airlines regardless of whether any student pilot lands at Merimbula and as the airport expands and attracts more flights this situation will only get worse.

Merimbula airport is protected by an aerodrome traffic zone which has a 10 nautical mile (18.52k) radius and up to 1500 feet (457.2m) above the ground.  When the air traffic is between ground and 1500 feet within this zone the airline should know who is in this airspace. 

The radio frequency used by Merimbula Airport is shared with Moruya and Mallacoota and is used by all pilots to announce their intentions whether they intend to fly in to one of these airports or merely advise other pilots of their location height and route.  This information is used to avoid mid-air collisions and loss of life.

The proposed Frogs Hollow flying school will also be required to use the same radio frequency. Can you image the extra radio traffic in broken English this will generate?

Even though the Chinese students will have undertaken an intensive English language course, when you are in a difficult or emergency situation it would be natural to revert back to your native tongue. The proposed flying school is a recipe for disaster. 

Affordable housing and developer contributions – Both of these issues were before the Bega Council last week and while councillors support providing affordable housing, they don’t appear to understand the effect on that concept of council development contributions.

Mayor Kristy McBain some months ago asked through a mayoral minute for these council charges to be investigated and councillors supported that motion

The report last week failed to address her concerns that the disadvantaged areas of our shire, the villages, be reconsidered for lower charges than the main towns to allow for development and provide affordable housing where it is needed. The motion to defer for proper consideration was defeated by councillors led by Councillor Allen, who represents most of those villages.

Residents need to pay attention to what are critical issues for many who are financially unable to afford housing in our main towns.

I would like to thank the kind people who helped me when I fell on Main St recently. There are good people in this community.