Financial Assistance for Leeton Aviators Club granted

27 Feb 2019 8:24 PM -

Leeton Shire Council granted the Leeton Aviators Club $3,494 (inc GST) to assist with the purchase of materials to install pop up sprinklers to the north west/south east runway of the Brobenah Airfield.

Manager Communications and Marketing Brent Lawrence stated in his report to Council that the Leeton Aviators Club were looking for Council’s support to upgrade existing runways at the Brobenah Airfield to attract and hold air events.

Mayor Cr Paul Maytom said that the Formula 1.0 Gliding Competition representatives indicated that the event came very close to being cancelled due to safety issues presented by the severe dust generated at take-off and landing.

“Previously a water truck has been used to maintain the runways however due to the extreme weather conditions experienced at this year’s event it provided very little assistance in ensuring track safety.”

“Since the inaugural event held in 2017, the Formula 1.0 International Gliding Competition has attracted global media attention and exposure for Leeton. Pilots travel from right across Australia and even internationally to participate. The Formula 1.0 Event Organising Committee considers Leeton’s flying conditions ‘optimal’ for large scale gliding events.”

Following their own informal survey of participants, it was estimated by the event organising committee that the Formula 1.0 competition injected close to $100,000 into the Leeton economy over the 2017/18 Christmas and New Year period. This is traditionally a quiet time in terms of visitor numbers to Leeton. The most recent event saw a slight drop in competitor numbers due to the ongoing dust issues however Council was contacted by at least one hotelier who reported strong patronage by Formula 1.0 participants with flow on effects to local restaurants and shops.

The grant will ensure a short-term solution of a grass runway for a total distance of 360 metres that will suit summer wind launching conditions. The Formula 1.0 Gliding Competition Committee support the solution of a grassed runway and look forward to returning at the end of the year.

In terms of a long-term solution, an asphalt runway on the main strip is preferred,
Council staff will continue to assist the Leeton Aviators Club with identifying and
applying for government grant funding should the opportunity to arise.