Moves to upgrade Edenhope Airport
Published on 19 May 2022
West Wimmera Shire Council has committed to making vital upgrades to the Edenhope Airport to improve firefighting capability.
Council discussed the airport at a meeting on Wednesday and agreed to contribute $50,000 towards an upgrade.
Council has also applied for funding from the Federal Government under Regional Airport Program – Round 3 for the project.
Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said Council officers and Councillors were approached by Edenhope Group Brigade regarding the upgrade of the airport for firefighting purposes.
He said after discussions with CFA district 17 officials, it was agreed that there was vital works to be undertaken.
Priority improvements include an upgrade of a taxiway to improve efficiency and safety; construction of a loading concrete pad; construction of a shed integrated with the ambulance transfer facility, as well as a kitchen, storage, and toilet facilities; upgrade of water tanks for firefighting capacity (increased by 150,000 litres); and construction of a bore to fill up water in tanks.
CFA has committed $220,000 towards this project, and West Wimmera Shire Council will commit $50,000.
Council has also applied to the Federal Government’s Regional Airport Program for further funding.
If successful, the program will provide additional $135,000 towards the proposed upgrade. The funding guideline allows LGAs to apply for 2:1 funding when partnered with state agencies.
Mr Bezuidenhout said being able to better fight fires in the region from the air would benefit the community.
“These important upgrades will make it easier for our emergency services, and help keep our communities safe,” he said.
“Our region is no stranger to bushfires, and we had a particularly devastating fire back in January in Poolaijelo.
“Giving our firefighters more options when it comes to dealing with large fires, is a great outcome for everyone.”
Mr Bezuidenhout said if Council’s funding application was unsuccessful, Council would still commit $50,000 and work with the CFA to construct priority upgrades at the airport.