The club was originally located at the western end of Merredin and decided to relocate when a local land owner and club member offered them a long term lease on part of his property.

Club representative Dave Kerr said club members had fenced the new area and several businesses had donated time and machinery to remove top soil from the landing area.

“The ground was bought back to a hard pan surface and we are gradually building an ablution block, club house and other amenities on site,” he said.

“The support we have had from businesses has been terrific.

“They have offered money and goods and services at nil or heavily reduced costs.”

Aeromodellers WA, which is the body responsible for the sport within Western Australia, helped out with a $15,000 grant for the club.

The club hopes to have the facilities up and running by the end of the year and will organise an open day and official opening.

Another club member Brian Manning said, when complete, the club would have first class facilities as good as, if not better than some in the Perth area.

He said with limited air space and facilities in the metropolitan area, clubs were looking to rural clubs to use their facilities for large events.

“Once up and running, we will be able to attract 200 to 300 people to Merredin for a weekend flying event,” he said.

“At the moment they are travelling to Kalgoorlie to use facilities there.”