Walgett Shire Council mayor Jason Ramien has told the Western Plains App that the runways at Lightning Ridge airport should be urgently upgraded because it is preventing some medical flights from taking off at the airport. 

The shire's GM Megan Dixon met with the the Border Regions Organisation of Councils (BROC) to show the shire's support for be made by BROC on behalf of member Councils, to the Australian Government for improved funding for rural airports.  

It comes as it was rejected for funding in Round 10 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, with Nyngan Airport the only location in the western plains to receive support in that round. 

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton explained Bogan Shire Council received $116,550 to undertake a lighting upgrade at Nyngan Airport. 

“I recently met with the Mayor and General Manager of Bogan Shire Council, who had been anxiously waiting for this funding so that they can begin upgrading the lighting at Nyngan Airport, to enable planes to safely land at night. 

“However, I am disappointed that Bogan Shire Council was the only recipient in New South Wales". 

Mark Coulton. Image: Supplied 

“I know for a fact that numerous other councils in my electorate applied for this funding and have unfortunately missed out. I’m hoping that further funding for the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program will be made available in next week’s Federal Budget.” 

In Tuesday's Federal Budget the Australian government announced an additional $101.9 million over five years from 2024–25 (and $0.8 million per year ongoing) to extend the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program and the Regional Airports Program for two additional rounds, and continue the Remote Aerodrome Inspection Programme to improve aviation safety and access at remote airstrips and regional airports. 

"We are hoping we get this upgrade as soon as possible" Cr Ramien said.