[Kharon]

Fait accompli.

“a French phrase commonly used to describe an action which is completed before those affected by it are in a position to query or reverse it. “

Rumours don't signify any longer – no need for them – 'tis done, dusted and the profits are taken. I cannot see the current minuscule or even this government stepping in and winding back the blatant theft of Commonwealth land.

If Thorny and I owned a chunk of Australia and built an aerodrome on it (provided the necessary paper war could be won); and, then decided that it was a gross commercial mistake – we could flog it off for 'development' and nary an eyebrow raised.

However; this is not 'privately' owned land is it – or it wasn't. The nation owned this land. The airports built during WWII have been used by aircraft operators for donkeys years to build business and create jobs, revenue etc.  Millions of dollars invested have been flushed away, business destroyed and aviation shunted out. Even if the government had the balls, integrity and an appetite to dig down into the murky deals done, called a royal commission and acted on the results – it would add billions to the national debt. I can't see the incumbent minister breaking wind to assist aviation let alone stepping up and asking the hard questions.

Aye, but just imagine the furore if a shopping mall was pulled down to make way for an aerodrome - QED?

Like the dew on the mountain,

Like the foam on the river,

Like the bubble on the fountain,

Thou art gone, and for ever!