3 March 2000

At the ordinary meeting held on 15 February 2000, Council approved the calling of tenders from suitable Consultants to undertake the detailed design of a new airstrip for the Onslow Aerodrome.

This follows the receipt by the Council in mid 1999 of the Onslow Aerodrome Options Study produced by Connell Wagner Pty Ltd.

Commenting on the decision Shire President Councillor Brian Hayes said "Onslow airport received substantial damage from recent cyclones, and has ongoing flooding problems. As the Onslow airport is very important to the community from an economic and social point of view, Council determined that it was therefore fitting that a long term solution to be considered. The Connell Wagner report identified a number of possible solutions. After careful consideration of the report and its recommendations and the securing of financial support for the required works the Council has decided to commence detailed consideration of the options and preparation of a design for construction purposes".

Council has been successful in securing funds to support this project from a number of sources, including State Treasury and private contributors.

Public consultation will be sought on Council approved concept plans before any works proceed.

Councillor Hayes added " I am very pleased with the Council’s decision to press ahead with this project despite the uncertainty created by potential future industrial development in Onslow. The community has been waiting for improved air transport capability in the town for over a decade and to delay any longer is not appropriate in the Council’s view".

The Council will be giving consideration to proposals for construction of a third airstrip at the Onslow Aerodrome. The strip will be constructed on higher ground to provide virtually all weather accessibilty. The project is also likely to be completed in two stages with the first stage being the construction of a new 1700 metre runway with a gravel surface and lighting for night time operations.

Stage two will involve the bitumen sealing of the runway and relocation of infrastructure such as the existing hangars and airport terminal building.

The total project cost is estimated at $1.6 million with stage one likely to cost around $850,000.

For further information please contact Council’s Manager Technical and Development Services, Mr Jason Gick on (08) 9189 1029.