by planning expert Peter Seamer. Warnervale Airport controversy Controversy arose over plans which had originated in the late 1970s to convert the small Warnervale Airport into a commercial and freight airport and regional hub, expected in 1995 to operate 24 hours a day and cater for 65,000 flights annually - even as the state's property development agency, Landcom, was advertising estates in the area as "tranquil". The upgrade was expected in 1994 to cost 6 million, and a proposal by Traders Finance Australia to develop the airport was accepted in January 1995, with contracts being signed in July 1995. Residents responded by forming the Central Coast Airport Action Group, and taking the Wyong Shire Council to the Land and Environment Court to fight the move. The action failed, and Wyong Shire Council demanded payment of costs from the residents group. However, the State Government intervened, passing the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996, which restricted future aircraft movements, the length and siting of the runway, and any future expansion of airport operations, and compensating residents for $65,000 in legal bills. In 1999, the Wyong Shire Council proposed extending the runway to 1600 metres to cater for jet aircraft of between 50 and 116 passengers, but the plans were eventually scrapped in a council meeting in February 2003 which decided instead to focus on job creation as a driver for the area's growth, including assisting the establishment of a $100 million distribution centre for Woolworths Limited on part of the land initially earmarked for the airport upgrade. Demographics In the , the Australian Bureau of Statistics located a population of 641 within Warnervale's boundaries. Facilities Warnervale presently has relatively few facilities. A number of new schools have been erected in the area, including MacKillop Catholic College and Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School, to service the high youth population, but most of the workforce must commute, with over 25% working in the state capital Sydney in 2002. Warnervale train station lies on the Main North railway line. It is served by the Central Coast & Newcastle Line of the NSW TrainLink network, allowing transport between Newcastle and Sydney. There is currently a café operating near the Warnervale train station, which also functions as a newsagency. Warnervale Wildcats Sport Club is a rapidly growing club offering sporting activities for junior and seniors in Rugby Union, Netball and Cricket. References External links Warnervale Airport