The Norseman airstrip is situated west of the Norseman townsite on the bed of Lake Cowan, a large salt lake having an area of approximately 1000 km²

The previous airstrip was located at the natural surface of the salt lake. During rain events, the salt content within the top layer of the surface would often dissolve, compromising the stability of the runway and preventing planes from landing.

To improve the serviceability of the airstrip a new runway was proposed.

Hyd2o’s assessment of likely flood levels within the salt lake assisted in the establishment of a suitable level for the new runway above the natural surface to provide an improved reliability for the airstrip