A Chinese-owned company is believed to be interested in buying the George Town Airport, after the local council voted to put the sale of the asset out to open tender.
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The sale of the airport, which was officially opened in 1974, hinges on the condition that it remains an airfield and provides access to emergency services "in perpetuity".
At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, the George Town Council voted 6-3 in favour of implementing an open tender process to sell the site at 119 Soldier Settlement Road, which features a one kilometre-long sealed airstrip.
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Previously, the council had indicated it would pursue a closed tender process and not put stipulations on the site's use into the future. The council's intention to sell the airport was resolved at a meeting in November last year.
But the George Town Airport Association (GTAA), which has eight years remaining on its current 10-year lease of the airstrip, had expressed concern that the loss of the airport would be a blow to the community.
The Examiner understands the Tasmania Tamar Tourism Industry Group, headed up by executive director Jiancai Hao, has shown interest in buying the airport.
The company was registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on April 6 this year and the location of its registered office is at George Town.
George Town mayor Greg Kieser said the council had had "a notional indication from a number of parties" who may be interested in buying the airport.
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"At the end of the day, as long as [the buyer] ... does the things in the selection criteria, we have a very open mind," Cr Kieser said.
GTAA president Eugene Reid said the association was pleased the site would continue to be an airport but clarified that the organisation would like to either remain the lessee or buy the asset itself.
Mr Reid said the GTAA was attempting to strike a deal with Mr Hao so that the association could stay on as the lessee if ownership does transfer to Tasmania Tamar Tourism Industry Group.
"We're getting our assistants to draw something up to present to him," Mr Reid said.
The sale contract for the airport will require the new owner to meet criteria around local economic benefit, development timeframe and recreational and community considerations and provision.
Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
