A potential lasting legacy project for the benefit of the Baradine community has been presented to Inland Rail.

Warrumbungle Shire Council has held discussions with ARTC Inland Rail regarding the possibility of upgrading the Baradine airport runway to allow for larger capacity aircraft to land.

The Baradine airstrip was built for Butler Air Lines in 1950 and operated through to the late 1960s. Butler Air serviced the north west of NSW flying DC3s with three flights per week through to Sydney until road improvements changed the economics of this type of service.

From then on, the strip has been used by the air ambulance, the flying doctor, private operators and government departments. The airstrip has also been used during military exercises landing C130 transports.

While the aerodrome is owned by Warrumbungle Shire Council, a dedicated group of volunteers assist with the maintenance of grounds, low intensity runway lighting and fencing.

The airstrip has long been regarded to have an all-weather runway, although it is unsealed which limits its use. Council believes that sealing the runway will be beneficial to both Inland Rail and the community.

“If the runway was strengthened, widened and sealed, it would enable turboprop aircraft or small jet aircraft to utilise the airport,” says Mayor, Cr Ambrose Doolan.

“The Baradine aerodrome is an important part of Warrumbungle emergency service management and it is essential all safety regulations are met.” 

However, according to the Council, the NSW Air Ambulance contractor has expressed a reluctance to operate out of Baradine because the runway is unrated.

“This upgrade would not only allow for fly in fly out services for Inland Rail personnel, it will allow aeromedical services to continue to operate and open up tourism opportunities,” Cr Doolan added.

Ted Hayman, president, Baradine & District Progress Association says that the airstrip is vital to keep the community connected. 

“This is a great opportunity and could greatly improve high value tourism as well as maintain our aeromedical services,” Mr Hayman said.  

 “In 2018 the Association, detailed a project to lift tourist visitation by flying in bird watching groups but found a reluctance by charter companies to land the required 20-seat aircraft on to a gravel strip. At that time the

Association sought funding to improve the strip but regrettably after much work we were forced to cancel the project.”

 When contacted by Inland Rail, the Progress Association said they absolutely supported their efforts and the Warrumbungle Shire for this initiative.