Landing Fees & Charges Discussion (Draft)
Introduction - Why are even here?


The Australian people are being overcharged due to a cocktail of government inefficiency, poor decision-making, and wasteful spending on both sides. Here are some State Government examples of how we arrived at this point; there are many Local Government examples we could list as well:

Project Overruns and Abandoned Projects: The Victorian government has a track record of massively overspending on infrastructure projects. For instance, the East West Link contract termination cost taxpayers at least $1.1 billion, with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link pause costing an additional $67 million. These figures don't include the sunk costs and bank fees incurred. The Commonwealth Games cancellation is another example, with costs ballooning from $2.6 billion to nearly $7 billion.

Government Agencies in the Red: Several government agencies have reported substantial losses. The Department of Health alone racked up $415.5 million in losses due to pandemic-related expenses. Other agencies, like regional rail operators, WorkSafe, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, and the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing, also incurred significant losses.

Cost Recovery and Double Dipping: To make up for these losses, governments are resorting to 'Cost Recovery' methods, effectively charging Victorians twice for services that were previously included in rates. This is what's driving up the cost of living for everyday Australians.

Lack of Accountability: Despite these evident failings, there is little accountability. The government continues to push expensive, unrealistic green energy schemes, further straining the economy. They have even found cash for a $20 billion renewable grid upgrade while claiming revenue is too tight to extend a temporary fuel tax cut that saved motorists $6 billion per year.

Every dollar wasted is a dollar taken from the pockets of hardworking Australians. Landing fees are just one small example of gouging via "double dipping". It's time to offer smarter ways forward; if ignored, then hold officers accountable for their spending. After all, it's our money they're managing.



Note the sign is"Photo-shopped" adding "Charges Apply"..

Section 1 - Safety


Please watch the American video below to get an overview of landing fees and safety issues.

Australia is the same, just a little behind.

Vector (in the video) = AVDATA in Australia for the discussion, not a commercial equivalent.

While not always mandatory, using a radio is a fundamental safety practice for pilots in Australia, contributing to safe and efficient flight operations. However, some pilots may legally choose not to use their radio at public aerodromes that elect to charge a fee to land.

Raising a few dollars from landing fees raises safety issues as outlined in the video below. Council rates were the source of funding for essential services like aerodromes in the past. "Cost recovery" (double dipping) has unintended consequences, safety being the foremost. As you'll see below, we believe there are better ways to contribute to the upkeep revenue.


*The below sign does not actually say "Charges Apply" but contrast that with the positive message "Taking Flight in the Middle of Everywhere"


‌Section 2 - Counterproductive Charges

Last year, Yarram Aero Club (YAC) has CONTRIBUTED $12,500 towards the new terminal building at Yarram Aerodrome.

The new landing fees will only generate, say, $3,000.

This is 1/4 of what YAC paid last year to Wellington Shire. The fees will, however, decrease the club's ability to raise funds, much of which we've already paid to Wellington Shire. If you do the math, you'll see that the landing fees are effectively punishing the club for supporting the Shire and make no financial sense. Wellington Shire will be worse off, which means the people will lose in the long run.

RVs (Recreational Vehicles) bring in a lot of business to "RV Friendly Towns"; you can find the reasoning for this here.


RAs (Recreational Aircraft) are the same; they bring in business. Often, a family will fly to an aerodrome and pay a visit to the town. They are not all "Rich Pilots"; many of the small planes cost a lot less than a fancy RV.

Do a thought experiment: What would happen if you CHARGED every RV a fee to drive into a town? Now think about what would happen if you recharged them EVERY HALF HOUR.

Yarram could have a new aviation industry, but charging more landing fees is not the way to encourage it.


There may be other, less growth-oppressive and short-sighted ways for the council to raise money.


"The smarter move may be to go against the trend and attract pilots from all over Australia by not introducing yet more charges, indeed have the lack of fees as a selling point for "The Middle of Everywhere."


Section 3 - My rates pay for?

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