The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will consider funding an upgrade of an airfield used for water bombers during bushfire emergencies.
This follows a commitment of $50,000 from the Shire of Murray for works at the airstrip.
Shire chief Dean Unsworth said the project was critical for the safety of the Peel and the South West and would allow twice as many water bombers to use the field and the shire was thrilled DFES would now consider a formal application.
“The Shire has already received financial support from Peel local governments and an appeal will be made to the Peel Development Commission,” he said.
“Financial support from DFES would be greatly appreciated and will assist in the fighting of major bushfires in the Peel region and upper South West.”
“Without the Wheeler airfield the towns of Harvey and Preston Beach and the southern section of the City of Mandurah could have experienced a catastrophe.”
A DFES spokesperson said a formal request had not yet been received from the shire or the airfield owner, but said an application would be considered.
