Quirindi's helipads will be accessible 24-hours a day by the end of the month.
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Two helipads at the Liverpool Plains Emergency Services Precinct are being upgraded to provide around-the-clock access to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services, Careflight, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The helipads are currently only approved for day use but the $70,000 upgrade will mean the pads can be accessed at night.
The $70,000 upgrade includes the installation of an illuminated wind sock and solar-powered emergency lighting, and associated equipment, and is funded by the state government's Drought Communities Program.
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A spokesperson for the RFS said the site would be utilised by aviation-based fire fighting resources contracted to NSW RFS and National Parks and Wildlife Services or forests.
"The considerable extra expenditure injected into the site has also opened it up to uses benefiting the broader community by allowing large aircraft such as Westpac and Careflight to access a landing area for medical purposes, which is safe, secure and capable of being utilised at any time and in all weather conditions," they said.
"The project was initiated in late February this year and although the pads are currently available for VFR (daylight) use, it is envisaged that it will be fully operational for 24-hour use by the end of June."
The project is one of many being delivered across the Liverpool Plains Shire with drought funding.
Almost $100,000 is being poured into providing water access for Currabubula by connecting the town to a nearby water bore to ensure ongoing supply.
Public facilities and spaces are also receiving a new lease of life in small towns including Blackville, Warrah and Wallabadah. A water tank has been installed at Blackville hall.
A further $289,100 is going towards new "gateways" and signage to mark Quirindi and the surrounding villages with their own unique identity.
Shire mayor Andrew Hope is pleased with the progress of the many projects, which must be completed by June 30.
"Every cent of funding that is attracted to the shire is a bonus and the whole program provides a massive win-win situation for our communities through the infrastructure projects that are providing employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought, stimulating local community spending, using local resources, businesses and suppliers and providing long-lasting benefits for our communities," Cr Hope said.
"Gaining this Drought Communities Program funding was a huge task. To everyone who has been involved in the process ... thank you; you have shown how the power of community benefits us all."
