Colac Otway successful in attracting funding for aerodrome

Published on 16 June 2020

Colac Otway Shire has welcomed more than $100,000 in Federal Government funding to assist with the construction of new taxiways to enable an expansion of Colac Municipal Aerodrome.

Council’s Development and Community Services General Manager Ian Seuren said Council was pleased that its application for funding through the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program had been successful.

“Colac Otway will receive just over $112,000 for Colac Municipal Aerodrome and, subject to the approval of Council’s 2020-21 Draft Budget, Council will contribute matching funding,” Mr Seuren said.

“This funding will build taxiways into the land to the south of the hangar precinct which Council purchased last year which will unlock the land’s development potential and allow more space for emergency services aircraft.

“These upgrades were identified in stage one of the Colac Municipal Aerodrome Business Plan which was developed in 2014 in partnership with the Colac Aero Club and former Committee of Management. 

“Securing this funding has been through a partnership approach with the Colac Aero Club and the volunteers who have put a lot of work into managing the aerodrome over many years.

The increase in aircraft parking and storage will provide a significant boost to the aerodrome’s effectiveness when used to respond to emergencies such as bushfires,” he said. 

“In future we’re anticipating that this land will also provide for additional hangar space, which will meet the increased demand we’re experiencing.

“Improving our aerodrome’s operational capability is important not only for our local community and industries but will also benefit our entire region.”