But users are in revolt over the move and refusing to pay. 

Hangar owner Tony Lamarra has been slapped with a $212,595 bill by John Ferrara.

It’s for access fees stretching back to 2011 when Mr Ferrara bought the airport from the council for $2.5 million.

“He’s threatened to block our hangars so that people can’t access them if we don’t pay,” Mr Lamarra said.

“It is totally against the deed of agreement (with the Federal Government and the council).

“When he takes action, we’ll take action. If he does, it won’t be pleasant for him.

“We have no dispute about paying landing fees but for us to be blocked off is just not on.”

It’s the second time Mr Ferrara has tried to levy the charges.

In 2011, shortly after buying the airport, he issued invoices to users, which they refused to pay.

A fiery meeting followed, but five years on, few have paid the access fees.

Mr Ferrara issued the ultimatum at another meeting with hangar owners on Saturday, October 22, which some 12 people attended. Mr Lamarra did not.

Many have sought legal advice. One owner told the Post he’d been advised by his solicitor to “tear up the bill”.

Users are relying on the Deed of Agreement, which states the airport owner must “provide open and unrestricted access to the airport on a fair and reasonable basis”.

Further, hangar owners maintained they already paid landing fees and rates and this entitled them to access the runway and taxiway. 

The interpretation of “fair and reasonable” appears to be the sticking point.

Mr Ferrara says it is reasonable to charge for airport maintenance.

“I have told them to pay, otherwise their access will be blocked. I’ve already blocked off two,” Mr Ferrara said.

“I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t have a legal right. If they want to go off to the Supreme Court, it’s up to them.”

Mr Ferrara said it was the same situation if a neighbour wanted to access a homeowner’s driveway; they had to pay for the right.

He described any agreements owners had with the council regarding development applications as “ancient history”.

The only thing that mattered was the contract, Mr Ferrara said.

Several hangar owners have told the Post the move only discouraged air traffic from using Goulburn airport and this in turn would harm Mr Ferrara’s overall revenue.  

Mr Lamarra owns three hangars, which he leases on a monthly basis to aircraft owners.

The former Goulburn Mayor says he’s not interested so much in the money as enticing pilots who’ll generate income for the city.

Airport users have lamented what they described as a lack of maintenance on the airport, despite this being enshrined in the sale contract.