Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
Orbost Airport wins National Airport Industry Award for 2021 from Australian Airport Association
The airport, along with Bairnsdale and Mallacoota airports, is managed by East Gippsland Shire Council.
Orbost Airport has taken out a national award, being crowned Small Non-PRT Regional Aerodrome of the Year at the Australian Airport Association's (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards 2021.
The terminal at Orbost Airport, Bairnsdale Airport previously won Small Regional Aerodrome of the Year in 2018
Recognising safety and security improvements
Orbost Airport is a code 2 Airport with a singular runway, terminal building, airbase and aircraft hangars. Generally, it has 1000 aircraft movements a year, but this increases significantly in summer when it is used for firefighting activities.
The judges highlighted the integral role of Orbost Airport in the emergency response to the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. During the fires there were over 200 aircraft movements daily across Council's three airports.
Council was also recognised for the safety and security improvements at the airport and the updated presentation of the facility. Some of the improvements included a full Airfield Ground Lighting upgrade which included emergency back-up power supply, new security fencing, CCTV, airfield line marking, terminal building improvements and general facility improvements and presentation.
Valuable assets for our region
AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said the role Orbost Airport played during the bushfires showed how critical airport infrastructure was to the entire community in times of disaster and emergency.
"As fire ravaged through north-east Victoria, Orbost Airport housed critical emergency service aircraft and personnel for two months allowing first respondents to fight the blaze from the air. Our small airports and aerodromes are valuable assets for our regional communities, particularly in isolated areas." Mr Goodwin said.
Supporting the air-based fire attack works
Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said Council was very pleased to see its efforts recognised. "In a vast shire like East Gippsland, our airports are incredibly important. They link us to aerial firefighting and other emergency services, as well as health services and tourism. Of course, aviation can also be a great leisure activity,"
"During Black Summer, Orbost Airport played an instrumental role in supporting the air-based fire attack works and ensuring the personnel and materials were brought in to support this critical work. It has continued to play an important role during COVID ensuring that community members needing medical support could be air-lifted to hospitals and specialist appointments despite the restrictions." Cr Reeves said.
Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Gippsland students urged to enter National Water Week poster contest by 6 September 2024
Have your say and help develop Trafalgar Structure Plan through online survey by 20 May 2024
Stay vigilant and report scams to IDCare on 1800595160 as over 500,000 Aussies lose $3B in 2022
Tim Bull visits Gallipoli and honours fallen locals such as Basil Hooper, Vern Brookes, Thomas Bell, and Thomas Haylock
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
