The request to reserve the land was made to council by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The department has also invited council to be formally appointed as the committee of management for the land.

The land has traditionally been licensed to council from the department for many years.

Senior Planner Neil Haydon said the land comprises the majority of the north-south bitumen runway and runs parallel to the recently developed DSE airbase. This is located on the eastern side of the runway along Aerodrome Road.

Mr Haydon said the northern section of the land comprises an aviation fuel dispensing facility, together with a sealed aircraft tie down. Two privately owned hangars and a small shed also occupy this area of land.

He suggested that council support the moves as suggested by the department.

``To assist with the future development and improved management of the Stawell Aerodrome, it is submitted that the council should support the reservation of the land to `Aerodrome Purposes' and also become the committee of management in the interests of delivering net benefit to the community,'' Mr Haydon said.

Cr Kevin Erwin supported the move and said it would be a step forward.

``A few years ago there was basically nothing out there as far as a bomber base went,'' Cr Erwin said.

``There were some older pieces of equipment put there a few years ago. Now there is a very modern, up to date bomber base out at the airport.

``To say it has gone from boiled lollies to chocolates is an understatement as far as aerial bombing from the Stawell Airport is concerned.

``This is a small but important part of the overall development of the Stawell Airport. With the fuel crisis at the moment, things are under pressure, but with the modernisation of the small regional airports is a vital part of that.

``We have seen some of the bigger players pull out of these airports and the smaller operators move in. I think once the airport is finalised, it will be a great investment in the future of this region.''

Cr Wayne Rice said he was pleased that development was starting to take shape at the airport.

``We are all aware of events that have unfolded at the airport in recent times with the beginning of attracting Grant Harrison's business there,'' he said.

``I am very pleased to say that his business is really starting to go ahead in leaps and bounds, so I have great expectations for the future.

``I think it is very important that the council does take full control of that airport now and to work on the forward plan.

``The potential for growth out at the airport I believe is quite enormous. There is potential for more people to start up a business out there to work on engines, for spray painting aircraft.

``I believe we really do have a great future at the Stawell Airport. I can see it being a great industrial site as far as aircraft goes.

``We have often spoken about Graeme Boatman's training facilities and there are great opportunities for anyone from around the world to undertake training there.

``Stawell is recognised as a great place to learn to fly and that offers enormous potential. We need to grasp this with both hands and develop the airport to its full potential.''