A NEW working group has been formed to manage the Tamworth Regional Airport precinct amid the impacts of COVID-19.
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Tamworth Regional Council decided on Tuesday to establish the Tamworth Regional Aviation Strategic Development Working Group to give the council more flexibility for industry input.
Passengers numbers from March to August this year were just 15 per cent of the volume for the same time last year, a council report reveals.
Revenue at the airport was down 50 per cent compared to the previous year.
A report to councillors written by airport manager John Sommerlad said the airport is a significant council asset.
"The aviation industry is currently dealing with its most difficult time in history," he wrote.
"The savage impact of COVID-19 restrictions on travel and border closures have had a dramatic impact on airlines and consequently airports.
"Having the ability to convene meetings quickly to deal with important matter and to also involve outside consultants and industry representatives in roundtable discussions is a sound approach."
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The group replaces the current Tamworth Regional Aviation Strategic Development Committee.
As a working group, councillors will have more freedom to allow for industry input, which the council believes is fundamental given the impact of the pandemic.
It will also provide the ability to convene meetings on short-notice.
All councillors will be appointed to the group with mayor Col Murray as the chair.