AN EXTRAORDINARY Council Meeting has been called for Wednesday 2 December following a decision by Coffs Harbour City councillors to go ahead with leasing Coffs Harbour Airport to a private company at Council’s ordinary meeting on Thursday 26 November.

The Council vote on the controversial issue was tied 4-4, with Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Denise Knight using her casting vote to proceed with the Airport long-term lease.

Council resolved to note the outcome of lease negotiations with the preferred tenderer, delegate Council’s General Manager Steve McGrath authority to execute on behalf of Council the Implementation Agreement, Equity Commitment Deed, Airport Lease, Airport Lease Supplemental Deed, Transitional Services Agreement, Development Agreement and Independent Certifier Deed.

Council also requested a report on the holding structure and governance arrangements for the funds received from the airport lease, and noted the development of a joint communication plan with the preferred tenderer.

On Friday 27 November, Cr Tegan Swan, Cr Sally Townley and Cr Paul Amos gave notice of their intention to move a rescission motion on the issuing of the Airport lease, and instead move that Council not proceed with the long term lease of the Airport at this time.

The Extraordinary Council Meeting to rescind Council’s decision to issue the Airport lease to a private company will occur on Wednesday 2 December at 5pm at Council Chambers.

By Emma DARBIN