Independent Review of Airport Begins

MORRISON Low have been appointed by the Upper Hunter Shire Council to undertake an independent business review of the Scone airport project, following public concern for the financial viability of the project.

Council voted to support a review at their March meeting, after all tender applications for the project came in “well above” estimates. (Read: Tenders Blow Out On Airport Project).

The move to have an independent review was welcomed by concerned residents and hope the review is a thorough process to restore public confidence in future plans for the airport.

The Council also voted not to go back out to tender as it may further delay the project, but have once again gone to tender which will continue as the independent review is being conducted.

Steve McDonald, general manager of Council, said the review would build upon a “large body of research,” the 2016 Airport Master Plan and the 2018 Capital Expenditure Review.

Morrison Low were selected for the review by Mr McDonald, two directors and an independent member of Council’s audit risk and improvement committee.

Related stories: Scone Airport Development.