Upgrading works at Deniliquin Airport are finally underway, and due to be completed in time for the Deni Ute Muster weekend.
The former federal government provided Edward River Council with $2.5 million in June 2020 to renew the existing tarmac, extend the runway by up to 200m, improve the current lighting and improve surface drainage.
The upgrades were earmarked to result in a 1400m long by 30m wide runway and to ensure lighting upgrades would meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority standards.
However, the runway extension has now been shelved, Edward River Council chief executive officer Phil Stone confirmed.
“We had lots of discussions during planning with airport users and stakeholders on what was needed and the best way to deliver that, looking at various options including lengthening the runway up to 3000m,” he said.
The revised project scope includes the removal and replacement of the existing 1,219m sealed runway (runway 06/24) and the replacement of the runway and apron lighting systems.
The strength of the runway and taxiway will be improved, a new Aeronautical Ground Lighting system installed, along with a new lighting cubicle and associated infrastructure.
New LED luminaires for the existing illuminated wind direction indicator (IWDI) and apron floodlights will increase safety during takeoff and landings at night and in low visibility, Mr Stone said.
The final project scope is to replace and strengthen the existing 1219m runway with the contract awarded to Bild Group Construction.
Council has also appointed Mark Goode, the Edward River Village project manager, as the project manager for the airport works.
Mr Goode told council the existing runway is in poor condition with works due for completion in September 2023.
“Airport users have been engaged during the design and planning process to ensure that the runway upgrade accounts for local conditions and current use,” Mr Goode said.
“Deni Ute Muster air traffic will not be affected as the runway will reopen prior to the event.”
Council’s Edward River Airport Advisory Committee expressed concerns with the scope of the project and did not agree that the project should go ahead with a shorter runway in February this year.
They also raised concerns regarding the closure of the airport for four months and the availability of the grass runway during construction.
Edward River Council’s director of infrastructure Mark Dalzell advised the committee council would seek confirmation for the potential to use Boonoke’s airport during periods when the grass runway was not available.
The total cost of the airport upgrades is $5.5 million, $1 million less than council’s advocacy strategy advised is required for the airport redevelopment.
Council was seeking $2.5 million for the runway extension (which was secured with federal government funding), $3 million for taxiway, aprons and facilities and $1 million for sealing Wright Bros Drive sealing.
A market analysis commissioned by council identified several key opportunities to support the long-term growth of the airport and attract new businesses, including flight training, aircraft maintenance, residential airpark facilities, aviation tourism and non-aeronautical development.
Several studies have also identified the Deniliquin Airport as the major regional facility for firefighting, a support centre during major floods, support for air ambulance services for the region, and as the hub for regional agricultural aviation needs.
According to the advocacy strategy, the existing 1200m runway is the original runway and has had limited renewal investment over its lifecycle.
“Reconstruction and upgrading of the existing facility is essential for ongoing use, expansion of safety services and economic development,” it states.
Edward River Council was asked to comment on when and why the plans were changed but declined to do so.
The Airport Advisory Committee minutes from March this year state that council was unsuccessful in securing an additional $4 million from the state government, with the extension of the runway to be completed when additional funding is secured.
An airport user said delays in starting the project had contributed to an increase in costs to deliver the runway extension.
“We have huge doubts this project will be completed by the Ute Muster weekend – there isn’t even any rock on site to start the strengthening works,” the user said.
Mr Stone said the construction works began on May 29 and will run through until late September 2023.
“We plan to be finished before the Ute Muster to minimise any disruption on this important weekend for our community.
“However, the final sealing of the runway will be dependent on weather, so if there are any delays due to rain, for instance, then we will make provision to allow aircraft to fly in for the weekend.”