Photo Caption (L-R): David Chadwick, Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Al Karanough, Angus Chadwick, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Andrew Fisher at the Coonamble Aerodrome, which will receive a new lease on life with $218,988 in Federal Government funding.

The Coonamble Aerodrome will receive a new lease on life with $218,988 in Federal Government funding received by Coonamble Shire Council.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding was allocated to enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes across his electorate, under the Federal Government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.

Mr Coulton was joined by Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Al Karanouh and members of the Coonamble Aero Club earlier this week to discuss the upgrades.

“Air services are vital to rural and remote communities, and I’m thrilled that the Federal Government is backing five shire councils in my electorate, including Coonamble, to make sure our airstrips are up to scratch,” Mr Coulton said.

“These upgrades will help the Coonamble community maintain its access to regional centres and essential goods and services.

“It’s crucial that we have safe and reliable airstrips to provide the region with access to healthcare when they need it most, via the Royal Flying Doctor Service and others.”

The project will include resealing the Coonamble Aerodrome runway, reinstating line-marking and completing an animal exclusion fence.

For more information about the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, visit www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Remote-Airstrip-Upgrade-Program