Tumut Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade
The Project
Upgrading the Tumut Aerodrome is a priority project for Snowy Valleys Council, as it plays a crucial role in regional aerial firefighting, directly safeguarding our communities and protecting forested areas vital to local jobs and economic sustainability. This project will enhance the Aerodrome’s capacity for firefighting operations and support aeromedical aircraft access.
The project will deliver significant upgrades to the non-commercial Tumut Aerodrome. Upgrades to the runway, taxiway, drainage, lighting and control systems will help facilitate fire-fighting capabilities at the regional centre, improving the liveability and resilience of this region.
Upgrades include:
- Adding 90 metres to the take-off distance and 30 metres to the landing distance over the existing runway arrangement
- Improved performance / payload for emergency services operations
- Pavement strengthening
- Widening runway pavement to 23 metres for Code 2 design aircraft
- Permanent pilot activated runway lighting, making night operations possible
- Lengthen southern parallel taxiway to improve operational efficiency
Funding
Council received funding of $12,500,000 from the NSW Government and the Commonwealth Government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF).
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December Update
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Tumut Aerodrome Reopens
The Tumut Aerodrome officially reopened and returned to full operational status on Friday, 19 December, following the practical completion of Stage 1 of a major aerodrome expansion and upgrade project.
The $12.5 million upgrade, fully funded through the Australian Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, has transformed the aerodrome into a safer, more reliable facility that better supports firefighting and aeromedical services, particularly during times of natural disaster.
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November Update
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12 November 2025
Due to recent adverse weather conditions and material supply delays, the full re-opening of the Tumut Aerodrome has been rescheduled to mid December 2025, subject to suitable weather conditions.
An updated NOTAM has been issued to reflect this revised timeline.
We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to safely finalise the remaining works and deliver a high-quality outcome for all aerodrome users.
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September Update
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11 September 2025
The limited re-opening of the unsealed runway has been extended until 9pm on Monday, 6 October 2025, while we wait for warmer conditions required to complete the works.
The revised date for a full re-opening is now 21 November 2025, dependent on suitable weather for the final sealing stage.
We appreciate your patience as we finalise the works.
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August Update
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26 August 2025
The Tumut Aerodrome will be soft re-opening on Friday, 29 August at 8am.
At this stage, the runway is still unsealed, so it will only be open to smaller aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 600kg.
The runway will close again on 15 September so crews can finish paving and sealing works. If all goes to plan, the aerodrome will fully re-open to all aircraft on 14 November 2025.
Thanks for your patience while these upgrades are completed!
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Extension of Runway Closure
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16 July 2025
The planned soft opening scheduled for 16 July has had to be delayed by a further two weeks due to more recent wet weather.
The 31st of July is now the targeted date for a soft reopening, weather permitting. The soft re-opening will allow limited use of the upgraded aerodrome, gravel runways and taxiways.
The final seal coat is still scheduled for September – October when the weather warms up.
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Construction Update
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14 May 2025
Construction at the aerodrome is tracking well. Grading works on the main runway and apron are nearly finished, and all drainage around the runways and taxiways is complete.
A temporary finish to the main runway is planned for late June, allowing the aerodrome to become operational. The final sealing works to the main runway, aprons and taxiways will be applied in spring, once warmer temperatures return.
Ground lighting is nearing completion, with inground lighting to follow. Perimeter fencing works will also begin shortly.
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Key Infrastructure Improvements Progressing
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19 March 2025
Work commenced in January 2025, beginning with essential site preparations, including services relocation, geotechnical sampling, and the establishment of access points, site compounds, and stockpile areas.
Progress has since advanced to key infrastructure improvements, including:
- Property acquisition negotiations for the land that the southern parallel taxiway will be built on - the southern parallel taxiway is a key component of the aerodrome upgrade that will significantly increase the operational capacity of the aerodrome during fire fighting emergencies.
- Construction of a new RFS Hardstand – improving firefighting readiness
- Runway widening and pavement reconstruction – enhancing aircraft maneuverability
Additional works include upgrades to the General Aviation (GA) Apron, Taxiway A3, and modifications to Taxiway A2 and its connections.
For the safety of all users, the area is closed to aircraft during construction. All stakeholders have been directly notified to ensure minimal disruption.
Once complete these improvements will position Tumut Aerodrome as a key hub for emergency response and aviation operations, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and the broader region.
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Works Underway
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24 February 2025
Construction is underway at the Tumut Aerodrome, starting with the extension of the southern parallel taxiway to enhance operational efficiency.
Runway widening and pavement reconstruction will begin on 10 March and take approximately six weeks to complete. The runway will be closed to aircraft during this period. Stakeholders have been notified via email, but if we missed anyone, we apologise for the oversight.
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Construction Set to Begin
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20 December 2024
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Contractor Appointed
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25 November 2024
At the November 2024 Ordinary Meeting, Council awarded a contractor to carry out the Tumut Aerodrome upgrades and work will get underway in the new year.
Upgrades include:
- Adding 90 metres to the take-off distance and 30 metres to the landing distance over the existing runway arrangement
- Improved performance / payload for emergency services operations
- Pavement strengthening
- Widening runway pavement to 23 metres for Code 2 design aircraft
- Permanent pilot activated runway lighting, making night operations possible
- Lengthen southern parallel taxiway to improve operational efficiency
