Access Economics has completed a preliminary investigation into a secondary airfield in the Canberra region.  The study shows that while the returns would be small and unlikely to attract a commercial investor, they are nonetheless positive.  The report notes that small returns such as these may make the airfield viable under the appropriate business model:

"the potential to generate even a small positive return does open the door for alternative ownership models, particularly related to the not-for-profit sector"

If run by a not-for-profit organisation such as the CRAA such a project could be viable in the long run and potentially lead to the rebirth of general aviation in the region.

There are some 850 people in the region that hold a flying qualification issued by CASA or RAA and this study reinforces that this would lead to demand for a secondary airfield and may see the return of many flyers to the capital.

"This prima facie study of a secondary airfield in the Canberra region suggests that there is demand for such a facility"

This study will inform a more in depth investigation into the true level of demand for such a facility in the region and forms an important step in our progress towards establishing a new facility for recreational flyers in the region.

A copy of the full report can be downloaded here.