The Formula 1.0 Grand Prix Gliding Competition has been held at the Brobenah Aerodrome for the last two years, but organisers were concerned severe dust issues would force them to look elsewhere for a new event location. 

Held in late December and early January, the competition this year injected between $80,000 and $90,000 into the Leeton shire economy through pilots, their friends and family spending money on accommodation, food, fuel and other necessities. 

Leeton Shire Council has now granted the Leeton Aviators Club $3494, who maintain the aerodrome, to assist with the purchase of materials to install pop up sprinklers to the north west/south east runway of the Brobenah Airfield to help solve the dust solution temporarily. 

The grant will ensure a short-term solution of a grass runway for a total distance of 360 metres which will suit summer wind launching conditions.

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The competition committee supports the solution of a grassed runway and look forward to returning at the end of the year, according to Nick Gilbert. 

"It is great news … hopefully in time a more permanent solution such as two sealed runways can be reached because we are happy to come to Leeton permanently if these issues are solved," he said. 

"This would give the club scope to hold other events too." 

Council has said it will assist the Leeton Aviators Club with identifying and applying for government grant funding for an asphalt surface. 

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