Tumut Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade

Project Overview – Completed

The Tumut Aerodrome upgrade is now complete and was officially opened on Saturday 21 March, marking a major milestone for Snowy Valleys Council and the wider community.

The opening formed part of a free community day delivered in partnership with the Tumut Aerodrome Committee, attracting hundreds of attendees who enjoyed flying displays, static aircraft exhibits and the official ceremony.

Mayor Julia Ham welcomed guests including Dr Joe McGirr MP, The Hon. Michael McCormack MP and Superintendent Jon Gregory (RFS), and acknowledged all those involved in delivering the project. She described the occasion as a significant milestone for the region, highlighting the importance of building back better following the 2019–20 bushfires.

The completed upgrade strengthens the Aerodrome’s critical role in regional aerial firefighting and emergency response, while also supporting aeromedical operations and improving overall aviation capability.

Key works delivered include:

Extension of the runway, increasing take-off distance by 90 metres and landing distance by 30 metres
Pavement strengthening and widening of the runway to 23 metres to accommodate Code 2 aircraft
Permanent pilot-activated runway lighting, enabling night operations
Extension of the southern parallel taxiway to improve operational efficiency
Upgrades to taxiway, drainage, lighting and control systems

These improvements enhance regional emergency response capability, improve resilience, and support safer and more efficient aviation operations across the region.

Funding

This project was awarded $12.5m from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Project Overview – Completed

The Tumut Aerodrome upgrade is now complete and was officially opened on Saturday 21 March, marking a major milestone for Snowy Valleys Council and the wider community.

The opening formed part of a free community day delivered in partnership with the Tumut Aerodrome Committee, attracting hundreds of attendees who enjoyed flying displays, static aircraft exhibits and the official ceremony.

Mayor Julia Ham welcomed guests including Dr Joe McGirr MP, The Hon. Michael McCormack MP and Superintendent Jon Gregory (RFS), and acknowledged all those involved in delivering the project. She described the occasion as a significant milestone for the region, highlighting the importance of building back better following the 2019–20 bushfires.

The completed upgrade strengthens the Aerodrome’s critical role in regional aerial firefighting and emergency response, while also supporting aeromedical operations and improving overall aviation capability.

Key works delivered include:

Extension of the runway, increasing take-off distance by 90 metres and landing distance by 30 metres
Pavement strengthening and widening of the runway to 23 metres to accommodate Code 2 aircraft
Permanent pilot-activated runway lighting, enabling night operations
Extension of the southern parallel taxiway to improve operational efficiency
Upgrades to taxiway, drainage, lighting and control systems

These improvements enhance regional emergency response capability, improve resilience, and support safer and more efficient aviation operations across the region.

Funding

This project was awarded $12.5m from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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Official Opening

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24 March 2026
The Tumut Aerodrome was officially opened on Saturday 21 March as part of a free community day organised in partnership with the Tumut Aerodrome Committee.
The day was a great success, with hundreds of people attending to enjoy flying and static air displays, along with the official opening ceremony.
Mayor Julia Ham welcomed guests including Dr Joe McGirr MP, The Hon. Michael McCormack MP and Superintendent Jon Gregory (RFS), and acknowledged everyone involved in delivering the project. She described the opening as a milestone moment for the community and highlighted the importance of building back better following the 2019–20 bushfires.
The upgraded facility will deliver a wide range of benefits for both the local community and the broader region, including:
• Improved aerial firefighting capability and emergency response
• Greater protection for local industry, forestry and agriculture
• Increased resilience of critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, renewable energy, roads and bridges
• Enhanced protection of natural, environmental and tourism assets
• Strengthened aeromedical (medivac) response capability
• Expanded opportunities for recreational aviation
• Improved overall community resilience to future natural disasters
24 March 2026
The Tumut Aerodrome was officially opened on Saturday 21 March as part of a free community day organised in partnership with the Tumut Aerodrome Committee.
The day was a great success, with hundreds of people attending to enjoy flying and static air displays, along with the official opening ceremony.
Mayor Julia Ham welcomed guests including Dr Joe McGirr MP, The Hon. Michael McCormack MP and Superintendent Jon Gregory (RFS), and acknowledged everyone involved in delivering the project. She described the opening as a milestone moment for the community and highlighted the importance of building back better following the 2019–20 bushfires.
The upgraded facility will deliver a wide range of benefits for both the local community and the broader region, including:
• Improved aerial firefighting capability and emergency response
• Greater protection for local industry, forestry and agriculture
• Increased resilience of critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, renewable energy, roads and bridges
• Enhanced protection of natural, environmental and tourism assets
• Strengthened aeromedical (medivac) response capability
• Expanded opportunities for recreational aviation
• Improved overall community resilience to future natural disasters
March Update

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20 March 2026
Stage 2 of the upgrade works are now complete ahead of next week’s official opening.
These include upgrades to the carpark and internal roads, including sealing gravel access roads to the facility and existing hangars, as well as construction of a new apron and taxiway to support future hangar development.
20 March 2026
Stage 2 of the upgrade works are now complete ahead of next week’s official opening.
These include upgrades to the carpark and internal roads, including sealing gravel access roads to the facility and existing hangars, as well as construction of a new apron and taxiway to support future hangar development.
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Page last updated: 29 Jun 2026, 10:50 AM