The Shire of Ashburton will refer funding of $13,000 to its 1998/99 budget towards the cost of lighting associated with an emergency landing strip that is proposed for the North West Coastal Highway at Nanutarra.

At its April meeting the Council agreed to contribute funding towards the acquisition of emergency lighting, signs and a trailer that is required for the landing strip.

Shire Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Carey said that it was considered reasonable for the Council to make a contribution given the strategic importance of an emergency landing strip at this site.

"It is worth noting also that the Department of Transport has indicated it would give favourable consideration to replicating the establishment of an emergency landing strip on other roadways within the Shire of Ashburton once appropriate sites are identified," said Mr Carey

"A site within proximity of Onslow and another within proximity of Tom Price are currently under consideration and the Council’s funding of lighting for the Nanutarra strip would be looked upon favourably by the state government when considering funding for other emergency strips."

"Council has previously given in-principle support to this proposal and it is now considered appropriate to back that up with a financial contribution.

For further information please contact Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Carey on (08) 9189 1029.