General manager of the Narromine Shire Council, Ian Rogan, is pushing for the funding to be approved in the near future.

“The application was submitted on January 15 and it usually takes two to three months to hear about the success or failure with these sorts of programs.”

The council is always on the look out for financial support and currently budgets $150,000 to $250,000 of its own funds annually on maintenance and minor capital works projects at the aerodrome which remains an integral part of the shire.

A total of $425,000 of the potential $1.5 million grant has been included in the application to build a new historic aircraft hanger for the infamous Wright Flyer, as aviation history is a big part of the Narromine area with flying beginning at the aerodrome more than 90 years ago.

This comes as good news to the Aviation Museum and aircraft enthusiasts as the Wright Flyer has currently been inadequately housed in an unsecured hanger and is covered in layers of dust and bird droppings.

Ted Davies of the Aviation Museum Committee said at the moment we are storing what are really unique aircraft in substandard conditions that are not appropriate.

“Hence the funding will secure what is an integral part of Narromine’s history and future,’’ he said.

Mr Rogan said the aviation museum was probably our number one tourist attraction with about 3000 visitors annually.

“Many of these visitors boost the local economy when they visit the Narromine Shire as they spend money here on things such as fuel, food and accommodation.”

When the potential upgrades are undertaken at the aerodrome, a ‘user- pay system’ will be adopted, as it is a principal that already applies to a range of council facilities around the shire such as swimming pools, garbage depots and sporting fields.