MKT future looks bright

Despite some shaky events including the granting of only a formal three year extension by the Government to the existing permission to allow the Top End Flying Club to operate at MKT Airfield (which is not under threat as it is an authorised landing area in the formal and traditional definition of the term) we are still going from strength to strength.

I guess the worst or best kept secret is that after 30 years, MKT Aerodrome is going to be bitumised. The cost is being borne by airfield users which again is making a big statement to local government that we can look after our own affairs without asking for funding. With 7 million dollars quoted in the press spent by taxpayers to bring sporting events and entertainment to the NT, I feel proud that the $100,000 required to create a bitumen runway is being funded by the users of the runway and not through taxpayer dollars.

Customs, Fire bombers, the Army and Darwin Airport based flight training companies will continue to land at MKT and be free of landing fees. We are of course hoping for some moral investment supported by real fiscal support or in kind support by these folk who use the facilities but are yet to contribute little more than runway damage to MKT. 

Given that we are less than 100 strong in membership, it indicates the level of commitment the pilots of MKT are willing to go to in order to demonstrate strong resolve in maintaining this destination for regional pilots of small aircraft.

I have been fortunate enough to be permitted to review the documents gathered over the years in relation to MKT, its development and promises made by all levels of government. With the family's permission I have digitally recorded these documents to present as and when required to prove reasonable expectation in relation to the ongoing use of the land and support the notion that the land use is indeed compatible with the future plans of Weddel.

The comittment of the smart minds and good will of the people of MKT continue to demonstrate resolve and support for an airfield that has been here since 1979 and a home that has more than 50 years of history for one family, the Meyerings.