Tamworth Regional Council has approved in principle making the two airports rural fire service air combat bases after being approached by the NSW Rural Fire Service, but the financial implications and funding could have an impact on the final decision.

The service wants a local base for an aerial fire response unit for the New England and North West region.

As part of the plan, the council has also agreed to support an RFS submission for state government funding to cover the cost of installing a 250,000 litre water tank and a 30,000 litre tank for pre-mixed fire retardant at Tamworth and a water storage tank installed at Barraba.

The RFS expects six to eight fixed wing bombers, three to six light to medium helicopters and one Erickson Air-Crane to be located at the Tamworth base as well as seven operational vehicles, seven support vehicles, a relocatable office/rest area, a container for equipment storage, a portable aviation communications unit, portaloos and more than 40 personnel.

A report to TRC said the RFS had operated and maintained firefighting aircraft at Tamworth Regional Airport during the bushfire season for many years.  But, the number of aircraft and limited apron space, together with requirements for fire retardant and water supply, suitable staff rest/congregation areas, and access for maintenance of the aircraft now posed “a range of operational difficulties and security access concerns”.

“Establishment of an area on the airport where the aerial fire combat aircraft can park, be refuelled and refilled with retardant and or water, be maintained, and remain on standby during the fire season would ensure normal airport operations remain uninterrupted and fluid,” the report said.

A 3.2 hectare site at Tamworth airport within the airside precinct with close access to taxiways, visibility from the tower, and access to water, electricity and an internal sealed road nearby has been identified a suitable location for the base. 

However, the council said identification of a suitable site at Barraba airport has not yet been completed.

The report has suggested that construction of a sealed access taxiway at a cost of about $40,000 would be required at Tamworth Airport and said the RFS should seek further government or corporate funding to cover the cost because it will be used only by RFS aircraft. 

A subdivision application and connection costs for various utilities will be the subject of  another council report.