Hunter Warbirds: Council Resolves to Enter New Lease Arrangement

Published on 24 February 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council has resolved to enter into a five-year commercial lease agreement with aviation professionals Ross Pay and Paul Bennet for the operation of the Hunter Warbirds facility.

Under the proposed arrangement, Pay’s Air Services and Paul Bennet Airshows will take on the day-to-day management of the facility while also continuing to deliver the highly anticipated Warbirds Over Scone airshow.

This decision represents a significant financial benefit for the community, with projected savings of approximately $2 million over the next five years. These savings will allow Council to redirect funds towards other local priorities while ensuring Hunter Warbirds remains a leading aviation attraction in the region.

Council will now work through the finalisation of the agreement to support a smooth transition.