Wentworth’s Council-upgraded Aerodrome hosted critical NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) training this week.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor, Tim Elstone said the Aerodrome upgrade, delivered almost completely in-house by Council’s works teams, has allowed Council to provide an all-weather, 24-hour facility for agencies such as NPWS to use.
NPWS personnel this week utilised the Aerodrome to conduct helicopter winch training, which forms a key part of wildfire suppression operations.
“The Aerodrome upgrade represents a significant investment in our community and we are pleased to see it operating to this level,” Mayor Elstone said.
NPWS Area Manager, Jo Gorman said the training session was important.
“NPWS uses helicopters in many aspects of our work, including vital fire suppression and hazard reduction activities, pest management, wildlife surveys, observation and construction projects,” she said.
“Helicopter winch training sessions like this one are held across the state to ensure staff are safe, skilled and ready.
“Having the training at Wentworth has ensured local staff can learn these vital skills close to home, which means less travel time and more time for carrying out other important conservation work.”
Other agencies to make use of the facility since its upgrade have included The Royal Flying Doctors Service, Australian Medical Assistance Teams and the Lower Western Zone Rural Fire Service.
