Horsham Aerodrome is undergoing a major upgrade to ensure it can provide modern emergency services into the future.

Work includes runway pavement reconstruction, new guidance lighting and the installation of a new back-up power generator.

It follows a Civil Aviation Safety Authority review of the airport’s suitability to provide essential services including aeromedical transfers.

Horsham Rural City Council is managing the upgrades, contracting five Wimmera companies to complete the work during coming weeks.

Air services will continue during the work.

Horsham mayor Robyn Gulline said the $211,000 upgrade, funded by the council and the Federal Government, would improve the airport’s usability under a range of conditions. “There’s a back-up power source there now which provides emergency power to parts of the aerodrome. But critically, the new generator will be large enough to power all of the runway lights and the aeromedical transfer services at the same time,” she said.

“New lighting will ensure the runway can be seen from further away for all approaches. And the reconstruction of the runway surface will resolve some grading issues at the northern end, and in turn, make the aerodrome safer.”

General aviation and an aero club, two gliding clubs, crop-dusting firms, charter aircraft, air ambulances and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning use the aerodrome.

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