Work to upgrade the Gunnedah Airport tarmac has now been completed, allowing the airport to continue to be a service to the community and larger aircraft to land there.
The $8.35 million project included complete refurbishment of the tarmac, taxiway and apron to bring it into line with Australian Civil Aviation Regulation requirements for certified facilities. The airport was closed in May, with only limited traffic allowed since June, while the essential work was undertaken.
Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said it was good to see this important project reach completion.
“Airports are critical infrastructure for the community,” Cr Hooke said.
“They are important in times of emergency, for tourism, business purposes and for recreational use.
“Gunnedah Airport’s tarmac was nearing the end of its serviceable life and needed significant work.
“With the assistance of funding from the New South Wales government through the Resources for Regions Program, and the Federal Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Gunnedah Shire Council has been able to ensure the tarmac is in good shape for many years to come. It also opens the door to the possibility of a commercial passenger service in the future.”
More than 800 people responded to a Gunnedah Shire Council Air Travel Survey about interest in flights to and from Gunnedah in June. The Air Travel Survey drew 820 responses, allowing the Shire to have a high level of confidence in the results, and 73% said they would definitely or probably fly out of Gunnedah if commercial flights were available.
Image: David Tiernan, Alan Kersley, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Councillor Kate McGrath at the launch of the new Gunnedah Airport tarmac today (supplied)
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