Founding of the Northam Airfield

In 1971, the Aero Club and the Northam Town and Shire Councils purchased land on the edge of town for the Northam airport. While the Club paid for approximatively 50% of the purchase price, the title has been held jointly by the Town and Shire of Northam until amalgamation. Levelling of the proposed airstrip was well in hand by June, 1971. The Northam Aero Club originally held a twenty-one year lease from the Northam Town Council and the Northam Shire, which was renewed for a further twenty-one years in early 1991. Cropping and other fund raising was undertaken by the Club to meet the loan repayments of the land.

The Northam Airport was officially opened by the Regional Director of the Department of Civil Aviation on the 14th November, 1971. A little over eight years later, airstrip lights were commissioned on the 12th April, 1980, and in 1984, the VHF automatic switching was commissioned. The Club designed and constructed the field in its present configuration. It remains a most valuable asset of regional infrastucture.

The Northam Aero Club (NAC), the West Australian Balloon and Airship Club (WABAC) operate on the field. A maintenance organisation (Northam Air Services) and an agricultural operator (Taurus Aviation) are also located on the field, along with several privately owned aircraft. The airfield is used by training organisations as well as commuters. Regular seasonal operators by several services are accomodated at the airfield. These include RFDS, DFES, water bombers and control aircraft, power line washing, etc.