Tennant Creek Airport upgrades boost flight capacity

SIGNIFICANT upgrades to the remote Tennant Creek Airport, which services much of the Barkly region, will improve the vital hub’s operational capabilities.

The improvements to Tennant Creek Airport allow for increased air services in the future. Picture: Supplied

SIGNIFICANT upgrades to the remote Tennant Creek Airport, which services much of the Barkly region, will improve the vital hub’s operational capabilities.

The $1.4 million project included improvements to the aerodrome guidance lighting, apron surface and boundary fence and saw significant regional spend over the course of the works.

The upgrade works have significantly increased Tennant Creek Airport’s flight capacity.

From September to December 2019, the fencing works were completed with 100 per cent local indigenous staffing levels.

In addition, many local Tennant Creek businesses had the opportunity to work on the project directly or subcontract to the project.

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The upgrades were carried out with 50 per cent co-funding from the Federal Government’s Regional Airport Upgrade Program.

The benefits for Tennant Creek Airport include:

• Upgrading the aircraft approach guidance lighting system has brought Tennant Creek Airport up to world industry standard and will increase reliability.
• Installation of chain mesh boundary fence has enhanced security by more effectively preventing animals such as kangaroos and cattle from entering the aerodrome.
• Apron expansion works will increase the airport’s capacity by allowing larger aircraft to access the apron.
• Floodlighting has increased night-time capacity and capability.

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Tennant Creek Airport general manager Dave Batic said the upgrade provided benefits to the community beyond just local jobs and spend.

“Combined, these works enable the possibility of increased air services to Tennant Creek in the future and means we are in a better position to accommodate the aviation needs of the region,” he said.

“This may mean more frequent services and safer travel for all users including critical services like the Royal Flying Doctor or future projects that may rely on air travel to the region.

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“The overall outcome is a safer and better airfield that was completed by local workers.”