The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is to be asked to approve a new taxiway for firefighting aircraft at Cootamundra Aerodrome.
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The taxiway is being funded by a grant to Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) of $160,000 from the NSW government's Stronger Country Communities program.
Of the $160,000, $78,000 has already been spent on drag racing pads.
CGRC developed a plan after discussions with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and a representative of Cootamundra aircraft operators.
The plan has the new taxiway running parallel to the main runway, to separate firefighting aircraft from other aircraft users.
It would also provide a "storage" area for such planes waiting to be filled with water, or for when they are temporarily stood down awaiting further direction.
Council staff recently had an on-site meeting with an aircraft operator and representatives from CASA and RFS at which it was agreed this would be the most acceptable solution.
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Delay times for other aircraft wanting to use the existing taxiway, caused by the filling of aircraft with water on the existing runway, is expected to be three to five minutes.
Under existing aerodrome operating rules, loading aircraft with water on the taxiway near the RFS building is not permitted, but exemptions can be granted by CASA during emergencies.
The RFS has supported the council in asking for a permanent dispensation to load fixed-wing, single engine air tractor aircraft on the existing taxiway.
STRONG COMMUNITIES
The council last week considered a list of 18 projects proposed for funding by the third round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, which will provide $1.548 million for the council area, half of which must go to youth projects or programs. Applications close September 27.
The council proposed holding a workshop to develop a short list to be submitted for approval by the next full council meeting on September 24.
Cootamundra projects to be considered were: The Arts Centre Cootamundra ($300,000);Cootamundra Library ($200,000); Cootamundra Showground caretaker's cottage ($200,000); Ellwood's Hall Stockinbingal, painting and toilet upgrade ($190,000); Muttama Hall, kitchen and outside area ($190,000); Muttama Creek cycleway ($110,000); Footbridge over drain near Cootamundra Hospital, Mackay Street to Inala Place ($60,000); Footbridge over drain Scott Avenue to Cutler Avenue at Cootamundra Retirement Village ($60,000); Footpath replacement, Bourke St ($55,000); Solar flood warning lights for Hovell and Thompson Streets causeways ($50,000); Footbridge over creek, Wallendbeen recreational reserve (50,000).
Six Gundagai projects were also listed.
The agenda recommended activity should focus on completing projects already underway and/or the resubmission of previous projects which had not attracted grants.
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