Pictured: Mr Joyce and Inverell Shire Council Mayor Paul Harmon at Inverell Airport
Inverell will soon have greater capacity to safely host aircraft at Inverell Airport as upgrades funded by the Australian Government near completion.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the government provided a $81,048 grant to Inverell Shire Council for the provision of new security fencing to prevent the intrusion of kangaroos at the airport.
“We know roo collisions are an inevitable part of living in the bush but this new exclusion fencing will help mitigate that,” Mr Joyce said.
Total cost of the fencing project was $162,096 and included 2.7km of new perimeter exclusion fencing with chain link skirt to a height of 2.2m and an additional 3.8km of chain link skirt on existing exclusion fencing to prevent wildlife from burrowing under the fence.
An additional $136,634 has been invested in the Automated Weather Service project at the airport, which will enable pilots to remotely access weather conditions at Inverell Airport with better accuracy and prepare flight plans with greater certainty.
“Pilots need the most current weather data our systems can provide and this new technology will support that,” he said.
Total cost of the AWS project, which is nearing competition, is valued at $273,269 and will bring the airport into line with neighbouring aerodromes including Moree, Glen Innes, Narrabri and Armidale. The weather service will also enable pilots approaching for landing to gain accurate, on-ground data during this critical part of the flight.
“This work at the airport shows real delivery for the Inverell community, providing important upgrades to crucial local infrastructure,” Mr Joyce added.
Inverell Shire Council Mayor Paul Harmon said the upgrades were critical to passenger safety.
“Council thanks the Member for New England for backing this project, which will have long term benefits for the safety of passenger flights as well as vital services such as medical air services,” Cr Harmon said.
Funding for these projects has been provided under the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program which assists owners of regional airports to undertake essential works, promoting aviation safety and access for regional Australians.
(ENDS)