Wallan Airport

Urban encroachment and real estate development. The primary reason for the airport's closure was the sale of the land for a large-scale residential housing project. As Melbourne's urban fringe expanded northward, the land became significantly more valuable for property development than for its use as a general aviation airfield. The economic pressure from the booming real estate market made its continued operation unsustainable.

The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped and is now the 'Wallara Waters' residential housing estate. The runways, taxiways, and hangars have been removed and replaced by suburban streets, houses, parks, and man-made lakes. The coordinates provided in the query (-37.4333, 144.988) fall directly within this modern housing development, leaving no physical trace of the original airfield.

Wallan Airport, also known as Pretty Sally Aerodrome, was a privately owned airfield that served the general aviation community north of Melbourne. Its primary function was as a base for recreational flying, flight training, and private aircraft owners. It typically featured a main grass or gravel runway and several hangars. While not of major national significance, it was a valuable local aviation asset, providing an alternative to the busier airports closer to Melbourne. It was known among local pilots for its scenic location and sometimes challenging flying conditions, including notable crosswinds, due to its proximity to the Great Dividing Range.

Zero. There are no plans or prospects for reopening Wallan Airport. The land has been permanently and irreversibly converted to high-density residential use. Re-establishing an airport at this location is physically and legally impossible due to the existing infrastructure and community.