Speaking on Monday, Member for Bega Andrew Constance said he had first told concerned residents he opposed the proposal at a meeting last year. 

“I don’t believe it is the right type of development for that community,” he said. 

There were a “number of things” that concerned him about the development, in particular the noise that would be heard by local residents at home as well as concerns from the farming community about their produce remaining organic. 

He does not “understand the economics” of the school, such as what would be required on site and why it would be built hundreds of kilometres from Sydney when there might be better grassy airstrips other than in the Bega Valley. 

Mr Constance said there were better places around NSW for that type of development and the “very strong opinion” of local residents should not be ignored. 

On Friday, NSW Labor candidate for Bega Leanne Atkinson said this development was not in the community interest.

“I think the potential negative social impact on the community outweighs any perceived economic benefit," she said. 

“We have to ensure that we preserve the amenity and the unique features that attract people to this region. 

“If we only look at proposed development through an economic lens we run the risk of having a 'hotch potch' of developments that will deter tourists and potential new residents. Social and environmental considerations are very important and should be weighted accordingly.

“I am also yet to be convinced that there will be much local employment that flows from this venture even if it was to be approved.” 

The politicians’ announcements come in the aftermath of Bega Valley Shire Council’s unanimous decision in December to make a submission against the flight school development to the Southern Joint Regional Panning Panel (SJRPP).

Recently the applicants behind the proposal, Sports Aviation Flight College Australia, lodged an additional statement of environmental effects in support of the development application and public submissions on the DA were extended to August 1.