A Defence spokesperson said the facility would be developed on land leased from Bathurst Regional Council.

“To secure the long-term viability of the facility, Defence and Bathurst Regional Council have entered into a 40-year lease agreement, which started on March 1, 2011,” the spokesperson said. “The project, which is likely to cost several million dollars, is in the early stages of development and could take at least two years to realise.”

The spokesperson said the new facility would cater for AAFC cadets and staff from all units of No 3 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets in the ACT and NSW.

“With about 37 AAFC and civilian staff members available to instruct the cadets, the facility will cater for up to 200 cadets at a time,” the spokesperson said.

“This will ensure that all 3WGAAFC cadets are offered gliding opportunities during their time with the AAFC.

“AAFC cadets and staff are provided with an aviation experience with a specific focus on gliding and powered flying throughout all eight AAFC Wings. For NSW, Bathurst will be a centre of gliding excellence as flying can be completed in a safe and well-equipped environment with ideal flying conditions.

“When not used for aviation activities, the facility will be made available for other AAFC training activities due to Bathurst’s central location.”

Bathurst Regional Council general manager David Sherley said it will be fantastic to have the glider facility based at the airport.

“It reflects the growth of the airport facilities at Bathurst over the past couple of years,” he said.

“People driving along the entrance road to the airport over the past two to three years would have noticed a number of new hangars.

“These are increasingly being used by people looking to relocate their private aircraft following the closure of Hoxton Park Aerodrome in Sydney.”