Grant Secured for Augusta Aerodrome Safety Upgrade
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The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has secured a $295,000 federal government Regional Airports Program grant to upgrade Augusta Aerodrome.
The aerodrome is ready for a much-needed revamp to improve safety and better cater for recreational and emergency services aircraft.
Nick Logan, Director Sustainable Development and Infrastructure at the Shire of Augusta Margaret River believes the grant will deliver vital safety upgrades for the Aerodrome.
‘The Augusta Aerodrome is a fantastic recreational facility for the region, but it’s also an essential part of our bushfire emergency response operations,” he explained.
“The grant will provide safer and more efficient circulation of water bombers refilling and refuelling when fighting bushfires in the region.”
Currently, waterbombers enter and depart the water filling area via the same taxiway causing hold ups and bottlenecks. Instead, they will be able to circulate more efficiently on new sealed taxiways.
The upgrades will include the relocation of Taxiway A (east-west) and the extension of Taxiway C (north-south) with a new direct connection to the runway. The helipad will also be moved to maximise aircraft circulation efficiencies.
The Augusta Volunteer Marine Rescue Group conduct refiling of water bombers during bushfires. Vice Commander Phil Tubb agrees that the upgrade will be a boost for the Aerodrome.
“The grant will be a genuine investment in safety at the Aerodrome. Refuelling will be away from private hangars and refilled water bombers will be able exit without having to risk taxiing slowly over unsealed areas and spraying gravel on nearby parked aircraft. They will go to a clear, sealed taxiway and head straight to where they’re needed most.”
Work on the aerodrome is likely to start in early 2022 and the full project is expected to be completed by June 2022.
For further information contact David Nicholson, Manager Asset Services, Shire of Augusta Margaret River on 08 9757 2512.
Water Bomber Waiting for Refill at Augusta Aerodrome