Wyalkatchem Airport

Upgrade Project 2010

A joint initiative of

History

The Shire of Wyalkatchem has had control of the airport site which is a Class C Reserve since 15 July 1949.  This site is seen as a key outcome under the Shire’s Plan for the Future regarding the sustainable development of Wyalkatchem.  The site covers 109.3233 hectares or 270.23 acres.  The airport’s landing strip became an all weather strip in 2000 and is considered one of the finest examples of an all weather strip in Western Australia.  Construction of the all weather strip was carried out by the local community.  There are also two gravel cross strips.

Since the development of the all weather strip in 2000, aviation has become a focal point for the Wyalkatchem Community.  The Sport Aviation Academy, a private recreational flying school, commenced in 2005 and has become the second busiest solo operated flying school in Australia.  The airport is also used by microlight enthusiasts and has had parachute and Hercules landings undertaken.  The Southern Cross Chinese Flying School based in Merredin also undertakes touch and go landings at the airstrip.  There is also an ambulance transfer station being built for use by the RFDS.

Through previous strategic planning exercises, the Council has developed a vision to position Wyalkatchem as a potential service and retail portal through the creation of a Centre of Excellence for the Aviation Industry. To pursue this vision, an Airport Strategic Plan (2007) and Business Case  were produced which formed the basis of successful funding applications to enable an Upgrade to the Wyalkatchem Airport.
Council’s Plan for the Future (2008-2028) identifies key economic and environmental development strategies aligned to provide essential support to the outcomes of the Airport Strategic Plan.

This Upgrade Project is only stage one of the broader Vision for the Wyalkatchem Airport.  Future potential development may include extended hangar storage for recreational aircraft and a 40 lot residential airpark where recreational flyers can reside and keep their microlight aircraft on site. 

The airport is also a key part of the Wheatbelt Motorplex Business Plan.  The Motorplex commences construction in 2010 and will be based 5 kilometres east of Dowerin on the Merredin-Goomalling Road, less than 30 kilometres from Wyalkatchem.  The Wyalkatchem Airport will provide ease of access for motor enthusiasts who will fly up to use the Motorplex.

The current upgrade aims to enable practical training for the Australian Flying Instructors Training School and it is anticipated that the owners of the Sport Aviation Academy will construct (over time) between 10 - 20 hangars that will house up to 60 recreational aircraft. Swan and CY O’Connor TAFE colleges have indicated an interest in pursuing opportunities around the development of an Aviation College in Wyalkatchem for both Australian and international students. 

Finally, the Shire of Wyalkatchem in conjunction with Mr Brendan Scott has looked at the establishment of an aircraft engineering mechanic training facility at the airport that could become an aviation museum which will have synergies with both Swan TAFE and CY O’Connor TAFE.