Airstrips in Brewarrina and Lachlan Shires will be upgraded receiving funding through Round 11 of the Federal Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said in remote parts of New South Wales, airstrips and aerodromes provided critical access to everything from emergency care and disaster response to inportant connections with other communities.

“Some communities in North-West New South Wales are a long way from help in times of emergency,” Mr Chaffey said.

“A working, safe and accessible airstrip is not a luxury, it is absolutely essential, particularly as we approach another flood and bushfire season."

“I am pleased to see that the Brewarrina, Goodooga, Lake Cargelligo, Wilcannia, Tibooburra, Warren and Lightning Ridge airports and aerodromes have been included in the Federal Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, and I look forward to seeing these projects implemented.”

Among the successful applicants Brewarrina Shire Council received $1,228,000 for the Brewarrina and Goodooga Aerodromes.

The funds will rectify and re-seal Brewarrina's taxiway and apron and re-seal Goodoog's runway, taxiway and apron.

Both aerodromes will see line-marking, replacement Pilot Activated Lighting, and LED illuminated wind direction indicator.

The $150,197 received by Lachlan Shire Council for the Lake Cargelligo Airport will mean a lighting upgrade to LED, upgraded electricals, and installation of a backup generator.

Lachlan Mayor John Medcalf says new funding for Lake Cargellico airport ‘was badly needed’.

‘’Goodness this is absolutely needed and community benefits so much.’’

Condobolin airstrip in Lachlan shire. [IMAGE: Condobolin Aero Club]

He says other airports in his Shire also need help.

‘’It is badly needed at Tottenham for an upgrade and widening, we will look for more funding.’’

At Warren Airport, $50,589 will go towards an animal exclusion fence, development of circling required navigation performance (RNP) procedure and improvement to drainage.

In Walgett shire Lightning Ridge Airport will see $13,500 spent to install apron lighting to improve visibility and operational safety.

Further west in the unicorporated area, the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure will spend $113,572 at Tibooburra Aerodrome to widen the existing taxiway to better accommodate the Royal Flying Doctor Service.