A transport study commissioned by Hilltops Council has found it is unlikely that Young's airport will play significant role in the shire's future transport network.
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The Freight and Transport Study, completed by PSA Consulting, and approved for public comment at last month's Hilltops Council meeting, found that "due to the size of the aerodrome and efficiency of road transport to Canberra and Sydney for air transport, it is unlikely that Young Airport will play a significant role in the future transport network".
In the past the airport has previously serviced with both a courier service and passenger service, however it is currently used only for private aircraft with no passenger services unless chartered.
The nearest domestic services are offered out of Wagga Wagga and Parkes.
"Challenges with regional aviation, such as rising costs, falling returns, poor interconnectivity, increased safety and security requirements, and maintenance challenges at regional airports and aerodromes have seen the number of airlines providing scheduled air services to regional centres decrease 54% between 2005 and 2014," the report authors noted.
The authors also said Council resources would be better spent on the shire's road network than on attempting to re-instigate an air service.
"As a result of this trend along with the physical constraints of the Airport and the potentially low passenger numbers it is not considered that advocating for the establishment of regular passenger transport services to Young Airport provides value for Council's investment by comparison to investment in the road network which is more widely used and considered essential to the movement of people and goods," they said.
"Whilst outside the scope of this Study, It is considered that maintenance of the asset with the view of providing for the increased use of the Young Airport for the recreational aviation sector is likely to be more beneficial."
While the airports at Wagga Wagga and Parkes provide an alternative transport option to those travelling to Sydney (and Melbourne from Wagga Wagga) the report authors said it is not considered that a significant number of residents and / or visitors will travel to and from Hilltops by air.
They cited the cost involved, similar travel time to driving, and lack of flexibility in departure and arrival times as reasons against air travel.
Both Wagga Wagga and Parkes airports are approximately two hours drive from Young with flight times to Sydney of around one hour.
The study is on public display at the Hilltops Council chambers in Boorowa Street for the next month.
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