A tale of two regional aerodromes is emerging on either side of the Queensland-New South Wales border.
In Tenterfield, a volunteer-led community organisation has transformed a struggling airfield into a multi-million-dollar emergency services hub supporting firefighting aircraft, rescue helicopters and aeromedical operations.
Less than 90 kilometres away, Warwick Aerodrome remains without a functioning terminal building more than nine months after it was destroyed in a storm, with users frustrated by what they describe as a lack of urgency and long-term vision from Southern Downs Regional Council.
The contrast has become increasingly stark as the Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome (FOTA) continues to expand facilities while Warwick stakeholders wait for decisions about the future of their own aerodrome.
Volunteers build a regional emergency hub
FOTA was formed in 2022 after Tenterfield Shire Council sought expressions of interest for the future management of the aerodrome. Since taking over operations, the volunteer organisation has overseen approximately $1 million worth of infrastructure and disaster-readiness improvements.
In 2023, the group installed a 210,000-litre water tank and associated pipework funded by the NSW Government. The investment proved its worth almost immediately when a bushfire emergency was declared in the district the day after the system became operational.
The NSW Rural Fire Service established a forward operating base at the aerodrome, allowing firefighting aircraft to load water and retardant close to active firegrounds.
Since then, further improvements have included a 4,000-square-metre apron, taxiways and hardstand, a multifunction operations building, solar power, emergency communications facilities, a Country Women's Association kitchen, toilets, showers, emergency signage and fauna-proof fencing.
Today the aerodrome can support up to three fixed-wing firefighting aircraft loading simultaneously and as many as 10 helicopters operating from the site.
FOTA was recognised for its efforts when it received the 2024 Australia Day Emergency Services Volunteer Group of the Year award.
The aerodrome now regularly supports:
Westpac Rescue Helicopter missions;
Rural Fire Service firefighting operations;
AIRMED patient transfers;
Angel Flight services; and
emergency management activities.
The improvements have dramatically reduced response times for aerial firefighting operations.
Before the upgrades, fixed-wing aircraft fighting fires near Tenterfield often had to travel to Casino or Glen Innes to reload water, resulting in round trips of up to an hour.
Today, firebombers can cycle between nearby fires and the aerodrome in as little as 10 minutes.
Warwick's uncertain future
Warwick Aerodrome has a proud history of its own.
Built between 1955 and 1958, the aerodrome was constructed largely by volunteers from across the Warwick district who donated weekends to blast, grade, surface and turf the site before handing it to council.
A memorial at the aerodrome commemorates those volunteers and records that the facility was established as a memorial to local men and women who lost their lives in World War II.
However, users say that legacy is now being neglected.
The aerodrome terminal building was severely damaged during a storm on November 4, 2025, resulting in the loss of toilets, shelter, potable water and facilities used by emergency services crews and visiting pilots.
The building remains fenced off and inaccessible.
Warwick Aero Club president Phil Goyne said users had repeatedly raised concerns about the future of the terminal building.
According to Mr Goyne, discussions with council have stretched across multiple council terms and chief executive officers.
He said a former CEO inspected the building and was told it should be replaced after a building inspector reported it contained asbestos.
Despite this, no replacement has occurred.
In correspondence sent to Mr Goyne in March, council advised it was still dealing with insurance matters relating to the damaged infrastructure.
"At this stage Southern Downs Regional Council has not settled the insurance situation," council wrote.
The correspondence stated that any future investment would need to compete with other community priorities and that no decisions had been made regarding further investment at Massie Aerodrome.
Users argue the lack of facilities is affecting not only recreational aviation but also emergency and essential services.
Helicopter crews transporting patients to Warwick are left without access to toilets, shade or shelter, while visiting pilots face similar difficulties.
Two different approaches
This week Southern Downs Regional Council said it was continuing discussions with its insurer before deciding the site's future.
"Council is currently working with our insurer to finalise arrangements for the removal of the damaged buildings at Massie Aerodrome," a spokesperson said.
"Following this work, we'll review the site and explore opportunities for its future. This will include working with aerodrome users and stakeholders to consider how the space can best support aviation activities while also delivering broader community benefits."
For Warwick stakeholders, however, the comparison with Tenterfield is becoming difficult to ignore.
While Tenterfield's aerodrome has attracted government funding, mobilised volunteers and become a critical emergency services asset, Warwick users say they are still waiting for a decision on whether basic facilities destroyed nearly a year ago will ever be rebuilt.
The difference, they argue, is not just funding. It is leadership, community backing and a willingness to invest in regional aviation infrastructure before the next emergency arrives.
