Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Mary-Ann Brown said while Council was obviously disappointed to have been left off the shortlist, there were many positives to be gained from the application experience.
“We know we have an excellent facility here in Hamilton, with $6.5 million invested at the Airport over the last two years,” Cr Brown said.
“We were able to meet a number of the criteria required by QANTAS including access to uncongested airspace, student accommodation, lighting capability for night training, navigational equipment and on-field training and administration facilities.
“The Regional Pilot Academy would have had an immediate positive impact on the Greater Hamilton region, providing a huge boost to our economy and potential longer term impact of population growth.
“QANTAS acknowledged our strong application and commented that the opportunity for growth which exists around the Hamilton area is compelling. They have indicated that a second Pilot training facility may be required in the future and we would be encouraged to apply again if that eventuates.
“Council has an important role to play in advocating for opportunities such as these and we will continue to pursue potential avenues to increase commercial activity and utilisation of the Greater Hamilton Regional Airport,” Cr Brown said.