As the Horsham Aerodrome continues to grow in importance with each passing fire season, Horsham Rural City Council is seeking support from the State Government to upgrade the site’s aging infrastructure.
At the July Council meeting, Councillors endorsed a grant submission to the Regional Airports Program to facilitate the lighting upgrade. The total amount required is $535,000, including a Council contribution of $268,000.
Two key elements of the facility are reaching the end of their effective lives: the apron area and the lighting.
The apron sees consistent, gradual wear over time from heavy aircraft and the vehicles that service them during emergencies. The lighting systems depend on older fixtures that are no longer produced, meaning that the parts needed to bring the existing system up to pilot safety standards are no longer available.
“Whether its firefighting vehicles using the facility to refuel or Air Ambulances airlifting critical patients, the Aerodrome has proven to be a crucial part of our emergency response infrastructure and should be maintained to a standard that allows it to continue serving its purpose to our municipality.” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.
The Aerodrome serves as a base for two Small Air Tanker vehicles over the fire season and dispatches over 500 Air Ambulance transports per year. Due to its status as a pivotal part of Horsham’s emergency response, these works have been deemed essential.
Council is still seeking an appropriate funding opportunity for the apron refreshment works.
