The Victorian government will spend $20,000 on the plan, aimed at maximising the aerodrome’s commercial potential.

“We’ve got to get the airport up to speed as it doesn’t meet the current standards of registered aerodromes,” Mr McLean said.

“I think what they’re doing with this development plan is just brilliant, it’s excellent.”

Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said the plan could enhance the aerodrome’s economic potential.

The government said the plan was important for the community and could generate jobs.

Mr McLean said it was important the plan helped build on Yarrawonga’s strength in pilot training, given it drew students from across Australia and overseas.

“The commercial side of it as in flights doesn’t happen at Yarrawonga, it all happens in Albury,” he said.

“What happens here is the recreational side of it, which means the mum and dad-type pilots who want to fly on the weekend and who want to come to a place and have a cuppa.”

Regional and Rural Development Minister Peter Ryan said the aerodrome’s master plan from 2010 set out an ambitious program of infrastructure improvements, including the building of a new terminal building and taxiway.

“What is missing is a clear strategy on innovative future uses for the aerodrome precinct that will validate these improvements and increase economic output,” the Deputy Premier said.

Mr McLean said the airport had been working towards the plan for the past two years.

“Moira Council’s looking at funding to get our second runway up and running and to get our parking areas operational because these are the things that are stopping development,” he said.

Mr McLean and his wife, Anne, train pilots at the airport through their business Yarrawonga Flight Training.

Mr McLean said it was crucial the airport improved its standards so it was able to capitalise on the niche recreational pilot training market.

“In essence what the government is doing is forward planning, which is an absolute brilliant idea,” he said.

“But they have to be very careful of what they decide on doesn’t kill off the industry that is here.”

Mr McLean, who was involved in pushing for grants that led to the taxiway and terminal building being built, said businesses at the airport needed to make sure they got their views across to ensure that did not happen.

In the past nine years the airport had gone from “a sleepy hollow to a bustling airport”, he said, but if managed the wrong way “could go back to being a dustbowl”.

The council will lead the development, in conjunction with aviation industry experts.