1953
23 November 1953
Another Step Forward in the Agitation for Establishment of Aerodrome on Mudgee Racecourse
The Cudgegong Shire Council is moving along steadily in its presentation of the case for the establishment of an aerodrome on the Mudgee racecourse, and it should not be long before a concrete proposal as to finance will come before the public.
At last Wednesday's meeting of Council the Civil Aviation Department advised that a proposed aerodrome layout for the Mudgee aerodrome had been prepared, providing for two runways, one of 6,050 ft. and the other of 5,050 ft., together with an apron and taxiway. The communication also detailed the work necessary to meet the requirements of DC3 aircraft at all-up weight in dry weather and favourable winds.
It was also stated that the Department would be prepared to issue an aerodrome licence on completion of the main landing strip, and intimating that, if it is decided to implement this project, working drawings will be prepared following a final examination of the site by a Departmental engineer. Clerk's Note.
On the receipt of this communication I wrote to the Civil Aviation Department advising the Department that it is considered that the layout is an ideal one and, al though at this stage it can not be definitely stated that the necessary finance can be obtained, there is every justification in believing that the community can financially handle the matter, but a final decision in this connection will depend upon the cost of the project, and requesting the Department, in view of this statement, to proceed with the preparation of the necessary working drawings in order that a fairly accurate estimate of the cost can be obtained.
The approved plan makes the fullest possible use of the existing racecourse site, and is a complete vindication of the Council's faith over very many years, in the racecourse site. The layout provides for only approximately 80 acres of land to be resumed for the landing strips.
Mr. L. J. Failes, M.H.R., in a letter to Council, expressed the hope that the implementation of the project will be within the capacity of the community, and that Mudgee will soon have the benefit of an air service.
Mudgee Municipal Council wrote expressing thanks for the information relating to the aerodrome advising that that Council will do everything possible to assist in making the aerodrome an accomplished fact, and offering congratulations upon the progress thus far made. Suggested Conference1
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1955
13 January 1955
Work on Drome
The surveyor, Mr. Stevenson, is at present surveying the necessary land acquisition, for the Mudgee aerodrome and the contractor, Mr. J. Pauling, has commenced the job of surrounding the area with four miles of new rabbit proof fencing. It is expected that some clearing will be under way before the end of this week, and earthworks will be commenced in February. Meanwhile, Cudgegong Shire Council engineer, Mr. Bill Lake, and assistant, Mr. Bob Williams, are engaged in placing construction pegs for the control of earthworks and levels. This is being speeded up by the use of two-way radio to direct the pegging party from the theodolite2
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20 January 1955
Work on Drome
At the Mudgee aerodrome work is smoothly proceeding, and perhaps it will not be as long as people think, before ‘plane services are operating to and from town. The boundary of the airstrip is at present being marked and the ground cleared of nettles and grass, and in about three weeks’ time the engineers expect that everything will be in readiness for them to start using the bulldozer to level the area3
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