Lift off for West Sale Airport – Expressions of Interest for the site’s future now open

Wellington Shire Council is calling on innovative and visionary businesses to shape the future of West Sale Airport, a unique asset in regional Victoria.  

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for parties keen to invest in this strategically valuable regional airport.

At 1,800m, West Sale Airport boasts one of the longest runways in regional Victoria and is owned and managed by Wellington Shire Council. With its prime location offering opportunities for seamless connectivity between air, road, and rail networks - it is well positioned as an intermodal freight hub.

West Sale Airport has a proud history and association with the Royal Australian Air Force. It is neighbour to RAAF Base East Sale and provides infrastructure critical to defence pilot training and therefore plays a role in maintaining Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

The site also supports a thriving local aviation industry, with established maintenance organisations offering specialist services to clients across Australia and overseas.

The EOI process invites businesses to outline bold ideas for utilising assets such as:

• A former TAFE college
• Vacant land
• Land with direct runway / taxiway / apron access
• Aviation fuel facility

This 190 hectare site presents opportunities for a range of full-site leasing and tailored leasing arrangements.

Wellington Shire Council is particularly keen to explore partnerships that can create local jobs, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and position the region as a leader in emerging industries. West Sale Airport is located central to Australia's first declared offshore wind zone with a planned capacity of 25GW and attracting in excess of $40 billion in investment.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Scott Rossetti expressed that Council is seeking partners who share its vision for innovation and sustainability.

“West Sale Airport is a major asset for Council and is perfectly positioned to support both defence activities and new ventures in industries of the future. Council working collectively with a range of new partners, looks forward to driving economic growth within our vibrant region, widely known as The Middle of Everywhere”.  

Key information and dates

• Go to www.wellington.vic.gov.au/tenders to register and download documents
• Inspections are available by prior arrangement until 20 December 2024 and from 13 January 2025
• EOI closing date: 5pm, 28 February 2025

Following the EOI process, Wellington Shire Council will evaluate submissions and invite selected parties to submit detailed proposals and participate in further discussions. This is anticipated to occur from May 2025.

To arrange an inspection or access the EOI documentation, visit the Wellington Shire Council Tenders portal website at wellington.vic.gov.au/tenders or contact 1300 366 244.