The Burdekin Shire Council aims to unlock the economic potential of vacant land at the Ayr Aerodrome.

It is launching an Expressions of Interest campaign for parties to lease or develop the airport land.

Mayor and aerodrome advisory group chairwoman Lyn McLaughlin said the aerodrome was ideally placed for development opportunities given its proximity to Townsville and ample ‘blank canvas’ space.

“The Ayr Aerodrome offers a variety of opportunities for developers with greater flexibility for operators to undertake a variety of activities,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“A wide range of aviation-related business operations – such as aircraft maintenance and spare parts, training facilities, storage and warehousing – could easily be accommodated.”

The aerodrome, 10km north of the township of Ayr, has two runways which can handle small to medium aircraft and a fuel facility is on its way.

Cr McLaughlin said any proposed development at the aerodrome through the Expressions of Interest process should essentially be aviation-related.

“No consideration will be given to the use of the land for general industrial development which does not have any connection with the aviation industry,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“An essential element of this EOI process is to facilitate the matching of potential proponents and developers.”

Expressions of Interest close on February 5, 2018 at noon. More at www.burdekin.qld.gov.au