Horsham Aerodrome is a step closer to being transformed into a regional flight hub after Horsham Rural City Council successfully applied for Regional Development Victoria (RDV) funding to plan its future upgrade.
Council has secured $240,000 via RDV’s Investment Fast Track Fund to complete a Regional City Horsham Flight Hub Master Plan including detailed design which will guide development for the next 20 to 50 years.
The aerodrome is currently used by general aviation and the local aero club, two gliding clubs, crop dusting firms, charter aircraft, air ambulances, as a DELWP air base to support fire-fighting and occasional military aircraft.
Acting Chief Executive Officer John Martin said completing a Master Plan was an important first step before Council could attract external funding to enable the Wimmera primary air service centre to expand its capabilities and ultimately help pave the way for a domestic airline to begin operating in Horsham.
“The aerodrome is an essential public infrastructure asset that can generate significant social and economic benefits to the entire community. But its development needs to be properly planned over the long term to realise these benefits,” Mr Martin said.
“The Master Plan will provide a direction for the airport in terms of future infrastructure development, land use and cost recovery, balanced against the economic and social requirements and aspirations of our community.
“Working with adjacent landholders and existing aerodrome user groups to make sure their views are considered and respected will be a key part of the future planning,” he said.
Mr Martin said developing Horsham’s aerodrome into a regional flight hub would help grow the region’s economy and provide for the needs of businesses and government departments.
“Having more commercial flights to and from Horsham aligns with Council’s goal of promoting business investment opportunities. It also matches Grampians Tourism’s strategic objectives that aim to deliver more visitors and ultimately attract a domestic airline to operate in our regional city.
“It will help provide investor confidence in our municipality,” he said.
As part of its funding application, Council consulted with key stakeholders and received letters of support from aerodrome users, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, CFA, mining companies, Horsham Golf Club, Regional Tourism Boards and State and Federal Members of Parliament.
Council will shortly invite tenders for the development of the Draft Master Plan and detailed designs so the project is investment ready.
