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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Extension of Runway Closure
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1 July 2025
Recent wet weather has impacted progress on the Tumut Aerodrome upgrade. As a result, the runway is now expected to remain closed until 16 July 2025.
The runway will be open in a limited capacity (Gravel Runway) as the final sealing works cannot be undertaken until the warmer months (September – October).
Further updates will be provided in the second week of July.
An updated Method of Working Plan is available here.
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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.
A NOTAM request has been lodged with Airservices Australia and you can view the Method of Working Plan (MOWP) here.
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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
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Tender Now Open
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14 October 2024
The Request for Tenders for the Tumut Aerodrome Upgrade is now open and will close on Monday, 4 November 2024. A report on the tenders will be presented at the 21 November Ordinary Council Meeting, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter.
Following Council's decision in December 2023 to proceed with Option 3, Council staff undertook detailed design development using specialist engineering consultants to prepare documentation suitable for tender and construction.
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Council Approves Revised Project Scope
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18 December 2023
An options analysis report was present to Councillors at the 14 December 2023 Ordinary meeting. Following a review of five different options Council resolved to proceed with Option 3 which entails:
- 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
At the August 2023 Ordinary Meeting, it was reported that proceeding with the initial design and a 240-metre runway extension would require $17 million in flood mitigation works.
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Council prepares to release Aerodrome Master Plan for review
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9 February 2023
The work to finalise the way forward for the construction of a Fire Control Centre at the Tumut Aerodrome continues, with Snowy Valleys Council and NSW Rural Fire Service representatives meeting again this week. Click here to read the full media release.
The Master Plan will be considered for placement on public exhibition by Council at the 16 February Council Meeting. To view the meeting agenda and business papers visit www.svc.nsw.gov.au/16-Feb-2023
