Kempsey Airport's role in supporting medical evacuations and emergency services in times of trouble has been assured with Kempsey Shire Council accepting the recommendations of the recent Airport Feasibility Review.
The Review was commissioned by Council in response to financial sustainability concerns – while the airport does play an important role in supporting emergency and aeromedical services, it is mostly under-used, and costs much more than it makes.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Kinne Ring, said that emergency and aeromedical service providers were consulted for the review, as well as government authorities and commercial and private users.
"The report concludes that Kempsey airport plays a critical role in emergency and disaster response, and because of this, recommends that Council commits to the continued operation of the Kempsey airport," said Ms Ring.
"Council has a binding agreement with the Federal Government to operate the Airport, as well as long term leases with tenants, and, in the absence of other options to run the airport, Council is left to manage the Airport for our region."
Peter Allen, Group Manager Commercial Business, explained that significant savings are forecast for 2025-26 because of the installation of an airport wildlife fence, which is due to be finalised by the end of 2024.
"The fence will reduce the risk of wildlife on the runway, significantly reducing the regularity of serviceability and pre-flight inspections for aeromedical flights," said Mr Allen.
"Council will make all efforts to minimise the future burden on ratepayers, including exploring opportunities to increase revenue, applying for additional grant funding, making operational cost savings and advocating for the State Government to provide increased funding for the Airport, to support the State's health and disaster responsibilities."
"In committing to run the Airport, Council will go ahead with the Airport runway resurfacing, and the drainage and lighting upgrades projects, and will look for way to reduce the project costs, as well as seek further funding, including through the Disaster Ready Fund."
Council wants to thank airport users, government agencies and emergency response providers for their input into the review, as well as members of the community who have passionately advocated for retaining the airport as a Kempsey Shire asset.
