CESSNOCK City Council has secured a $1.6 million grant to upgrade the Cessnock Airport Aviation Fire Base, which will compliment the $8.8 million airport upgrade.
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Council announced last week was successful in obtaining a $1,651,260 grant under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to fully fund an Aviation Fire Base at Cessnock Airport.
The airport played an important role in fighting the 2019/2020 bushfires via the Rural Fire Service operating the AT-802 Air Tractor and helicopter water bombers.
Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said this project will increase readiness for future fire emergencies by providing an effective, safe and secure location to operate firefighting aircraft.
"The Aviation Fire Base will ensure the necessary water and equipment is readily available so emergency services can effectively perform their duties during future fire events," he said.
"The added bonus is this project will provide improved infrastructure for existing airport users, and allow for additional businesses to have direct apron and runway access."
The works will include the construction of a taxiway to the water bomber apron; the construction of a 5700sqm water bomber apron with lighting; the connection of the water main to the water holding tanks and the installation of 150,000 litres of water storage and an associated pumping system.
It also included the repositioning of the airside security fence and the construction of a 3120 sqm helicopter landing area.
The airport upgrade includes the widening and resealing of taxiways, provision of aprons and aircraft parking areas, improved fuel area access, runway rehabilitation, installation of non-precision GPS approaches and an upgrade to the eastern terminal.
The aviation base project is scheduled to start in May 2023 and be completed by December 2023.
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