The Mungindi Aerodrome might be seeing some upgrades in the future, after a request from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
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On October 22, a request was sent by the RFDS for Moree Plains Shire Council to consider submitting a funding application under round seven of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program to undertake important upgrade works to improve the safety of the Mungindi airstrip.
With the RFDS introducing larger, heavier aircraft in the future, this requires a number of upgrades to be undertaken in Mungindi to ensure the safety of patients being transported from Mungindi and neighbouring areas to appropriate hospital facilities.
While not all upgrades need to be completed at this time, council has moved to apply for funding to reseal the runway and eastern parking apron, have an obstacle clearance survey undertaken by a suitably qualified aviation surveyor and to clear any obstacles in accordance with any results received from the obstacle clearance survey.
In the future, a widening of the runway and the installation of an instrument approach system may be required by RFDS.
"They (RFDS) can live without the runway widening instrument approach at this stage but we can consider the lesser work - the rehabilitation of the apron and resealing of the runway without widening," director of engineering services Ian Dinham said.
The total value of works to be undertaken at this time estimate to cost around $310,000.
Council moved to submit a grant application to the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, with council to cover 50 percent of the costs from the Airport Reserve.
"If we save one child, it's money well spent," mayor Katrina Humphries said.
