Council prepares to release Aerodrome Master Plan for review

Published on 09 February 2023

The work to finalise the way forward for the construction of a Fire Control Centre at the Tumut Aerodrome continues, with Snowy Valleys Council and NSW Rural Fire Service representatives meeting again this week. 

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart met with Snowy Valleys Council General Manager Ken Gouldthorp onsite at the Tumut Aerodrome to review the Draft Master Plan prior to its consideration at the Council meeting on 16 February.

The Draft Master Plan includes space allocation for an improved RFS facility incorporating a Fire Control Centre, operations centre, administration area, training facilities and a hangar.

“Under the Draft Master Plan, the airport will become an important strategic location for aerial firefighting operations, and a base for managing incidents through a dedicated Fire Control Centre,” Deputy Commissioner Stewert said. 

“We value the commitment from the Snowy Valleys Council to work towards this important development.

“The new Master Plan, along with the Heads of Agreement being finalised between the Council and the RFS, are positive steps forward in enabling the construction of an integrated RFS facility at the aerodrome together with articulating responsibilities for its construction and management.

“The RFS will continue to work with the Snowy Valleys Council through the review process, and to see the project progress.”

The Draft Aerodrome Master Plan updates the previous 2015 Master Plan.

Independent aviation consultants reviewed feedback from stakeholders, including NSW RFS, considered options for improving business activity at the airport and recognised the aerodrome’s importance as emergency infrastructure over a 20-year period.  

The Master Plan will be considered for placement on public exhibition by Council at the 16 February Council Meeting. 

-ENDS-