George Town Council declared its intention to sell George Town Airstrip in November 2018 and will vote on the method by which to sell the land, if a sale is agreed, at Tuesday’s meeting.
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Thirteen written objections were submitted by the public, highlighting concerns about the implications of the airport’s sale.
Concerns raised included the airstrip’s importance to the community, its use by emergency services, for training purposes, its support of tourism ventures and the sale’s effect on local business.
George Town Council acting general manager Harry Galea noted the comments objecting to the disposal of the land by the council.
One reoccurring comment noted by Mr Galea was that the land should be sold to a George Town organisation, should the sale go ahead.
Mr Galea said that whilst it was strictly true that the land was transferred to the council at no cost, “with transfer of the asset the council have had maintenance and capital renewal responsibilities with no or very little external funding”.
“The council’s motive is to remove the ongoing financial burden from the broader rate payers,” Mr Galea said.
“The sale of the land is not intended to discontinue the use as an airport.”
Mr Galea’s report concluded there were three possible methods of sale for the airstrip: to sell the land by public auction, to sell the land by a closed public tender process or by private sale.
A private sale price would be determined by the general manager, but it would be no less than a value determined by a qualified valuer.
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