BUSSELTON–MARGARET RIVER REGIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION
617. Hon COLIN TINCKNELL to the Minister
for Regional Development:
(1)
What steps has or is the government taking to support the City of Busselton in
its efforts to attract a major airline to commit to the new Busselton–Margaret
River Regional Airport expansion?
(2)
Will the government offer a commitment to go ahead with the building of the new
proposed terminal before a major carrier is secured?
(3)
Does the government realise that without such a commitment, major airlines may
be reluctant to invest in the Busselton–Margaret River area, while a government
commitment to the project will almost certainly result in an agreement being
signed with at least one major airline?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
(1)
The South West Development Commission is providing ongoing high-level support
to assist the City of Busselton to secure an airline service. Both the South
West Development Commission and Tourism Western Australia are assisting the
project's airline engagement working group.
(2)
No. I remain of the view that the construction of the new terminal is not to
proceed until an airline is secured or the airport is selected by Qantas as a site
for the new pilot training academy.
(3)
The project budget includes a $3.5 million allocation for airline attraction.
It appears that this significant amount has failed to attract an airline to
date.