Federal Government funding will open the door for improvements at  Horsham Aerodrome.

The government is providing $105,591 for safety projects including upgraded runaway lighting and a new back-up power generator.

Horsham Rural City Council applied for the money and will match the grant dollar-for-dollar. Council infrastructure director John Martin said the $211,000 upgrade would improve the airport capabilities under a range of conditions.
“In the event of a power outage, Horsham Aerodrome requires emergency power to ensure continuous availability of runway lighting and aeromedical services,” Mr Martin said.

“Currently there is a generator in place to provide emergency power to some parts of the aerodrome, but it is currently not big enough to power all of the runway lights and the aeromedical transfer services at the same time.”

Lighting enhancements will involve work to eliminate some mounding at the north end of the runway that is impairing a line of sight.

“The lights will also be re-installed to ensure they are high enough to be seen far enough along the runway,” Mr Martin said.

“The works will ensure Horsham Aerodrome is suitable for its continued purpose of providing essential services to the community.

The aerodrome provides a general aviation service and is also home to aero and gliding clubs, crop-dusting firms, charter aircraft, air ambulances, a Department of Environment Land Water and Planning base to support fire-fighting and has occasional visits from military aircraft.

Related: Safety upgrades for Stawell and Horsham airports