The Horsham Aerodrome is currently undergoing a major upgrade to ensure it can continue providing modern emergency services long into the future.
Works include runway pavement reconstruction, new guidance lighting and the installation of a new backup power generator.
The works follow a Civil Aviation Safety Authority review of the airport's suitability to provide essential services including aeromedical transfers.
Horsham Rural City Council is managing the upgrades, with five local companies contracted to complete the works over the coming weeks.
Existing air services will continue to operate during the works.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the $211,000 upgrade would improve the airport's useability under a range of conditions.
"There's a backup power source there now which provides emergency power to parts of the aerodrome. But critically, the new generator will be large enough to power all of the runway lights and the aeromedical transfer services at the same time," Cr Gulline said.
"New lighting will ensure the runway can be seen from further away for all approaches.
"And the reconstruction of the runway surface will resolve some grading issues at the northern end, and in turn, make the aerodrome more safe," she said.
The aerodrome is used by general aviation and the local aero club, two gliding clubs, crop dusting firms, charter aircraft, air ambulances, as a DELWP air base to support fire-fighting and occasional military aircraft.
The upgrades were made possible after Horsham Rural City Council successfully applied for $105,591 in Federal Government funding which was announced last year.
HRCC has matched the grant dollar for dollar.
"We thank the Australian Government for its contribution under the regional airports funding program," Cr Gulline.
