MOIRA Shire has taken an initial formal step towards selling the Yarrawonga Aerodrome.
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The council last night voted 8-1 to proceed to an expressions of interest process and inviting proposals to purchase or lease the site with only Cr Wendy Buck opposing the move in the hope a management committee could be adopted involving airport users.
"I really do think we are missing an opportunity in here now that is everything is out in the open," she said.
"I believe they can and I don't think we are too far away."
But deputy mayor Ed Cox said the next step adopted by council didn't lock it into a sale.
"It is a highly regarded asset, but it is prudent of council to go through this process and see what is out there in the private world," he said.
"This motion doesn't commit this council to sell the Yarrawonga Aerodrome and we might go through this whole process and guess what?
"We will still be in the same spot."
Cr Peter Lawless agreed with Cr Cox's sentiments on the direction taken by council.
"I certainly don't want to put at risk the future of the Yarrawonga Aerodrome.
"We can't put a value on the service it provides, particularly for air ambulance.
"This is not a done deal if someone just puts their hand up."
There will be no change to present operating arrangements during the EOI process and any future evaluation and contractual stages.
About 15 businesses operate from the airport and employ an estimated 40 people in a mix of permanent and part-time roles.
But users fear any transfer of ownership from council will compromise the conditions of their existing legal agreements.
They have ruled out working together under a co-operative ownership model.
Landing fees are presently not charged at the airport.
