A successful application to the Federal Government's Regional Airports Program will see significant upgrades taking place at the Northam airfield.
The much-used facility is in need of repairs to ensure safe operations, with elements to be addressed including drainage upgrades, asphalt sealing, and line marking.
According to the Shire President, Chris Antonio the Northam airfield is used by businesses, community organisations, private individuals and essential services including the Royal Flying Doctor Services and Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
"The Northam airfield is an important base for emergency services and is being very well used in the current high-threat bushfire season, with several rotary-wing aircraft using the facilities to assist with responding to bushfire incidents in the Wheatbelt and surrounding region", said President Antonio.
The Shire has recently funded the installation of LED illuminated wind indicator and construction of accessible shower and toilet facilities to promote a safer, more inclusive user experience.
Of the $715,000 required to complete the proposed upgrades, $357,553 has been allocated in this round of grant funding, with the remaining 50% to be contributed by the Shire. The Federal Minister for Resources, Hon. Madeleine King confirmed the Shire’s success at a recent announcement, held at the Northam airfield on February 26.
The Regional Airports Program is an initiative of the Australian Government to improve safety, service and product delivery capacity, connectivity, and sustainable operations of aviation in Australia.
Pictured: Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio, Trish Cook candidate for Bullwinkel, Rebecca Atkinson candidate for Central Wheatbelt District, Hon. Madeleine King Minister for Resources, and Hon. Darren West MLC Member for Agricultural Region - present for the announcement on February 26.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵.