Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has identified an opportunity to increase revenue streams at Wellington's Aerodrome and Recreation Park, also known as the Bodangora Airstrip, as a step towards improved financial outcomes for the primarily recreational facility. A Development Application (DA) has been approved and construction has commenced on a 10 metre by 10 metre hangar that will be available to lease out for commercial use.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said Council was actively looking for ways to improve the bottom line of the airport. "Bodangora Airstrip has not been a financial success over the previous six years, with the recreational use of the airport not covering the operational costs associated with running the facility.
"The new hangar is intended to create alternative sources of income for the Bodangora facility and create certainty for potential hirers. Council has had interest from external parties looking to hire and develop hangar facilities at the aerodrome including but not limited to businesses looking to conduct aerial surveys of mineral resources," said Mr Dickerson.
The small hangar is situated on the eastern side of the taxi bay at the Bodangora Airstrip and will be suitable for small aircraft to use.
Director Organisational Performance, Dean Frost said this is a great economic development opportunity. "The Aerodrome and Recreation Park was previously occupied by private hangars only, which has limited Council's ability to rent space to external parties and also pitch for certain activities such as aviation trials.
"There are currently 8 blocks on the eastern side of the runway that can be developed in a similar nature and we are open to working with developers who may be looking to occupy a space at the airport," said Mr Frost.
The concrete slab for the hangar has been poured and the building materials are on location. The construction is expected to be complete by the end of October, weather permitting.
