 Council looked at two windows for the start of the runway resurfacing, one in November 0000 and the other at the end of January. However the November date was always questionable as it gave no leeway for an overrun on the first phase. Mr McMahon said the January date fell after the NSW school holidays and towards the end of the busy summer holiday period. Council has confirmed the project timing with Rex and Qantas and other key airport stakeholders. "We are acutely aware that a continuous six-week closure will impact our operators, with a knock-on effect for tourism and businesses during this period," Mr McMahon said. "However, to complete these works in the shortest possible timeframe and to the required quality and cost, this is the best long-term option for our airport. Starting the work after school holidays means airlines and the local economy can still capitalise on summer travel." Mr Djikic said alternative arrangements with freight would need to be established during this period and the freight companies had been advised of the closure. The six week closure has some contingency in place for weather-related delays but this will need to be managed by both council and the principal contractor during the construction phase. Council's property and project services manager, Daniel Djikic Asked about the risks associated with wet weather Mr Djikic said it was part of the reason for the timing as historically February was a drier period during the year. "The six week closure has some contingency in place for weather-related delays but this will need to be managed by both council and the principal contractor during the construction phase," he said. Mr McMahon said the extension to the runway was an important step toward increasing the capacity and longevity of the airport. "The overall project will extend the runway length for larger aircraft with more passengers, which will have great benefits for our shire over time, increasing tourism opportunities and making it easier for people to travel for business," Mr McMahon said. The project was made possible with funding from both the state and federal governments. More information about the project can be found on the major projects webpage on council's website: https://bv.lyte.link/0000/0D0C