Airport keeps same name

Busselton City Council has snubbed the name Margaret River, after a tie-breaker vote ensured the Busselton Regional Airport’s name was retained.

Mayor Ian Stubbs’ alternative motion to retain the existing name was passed when he used his casting vote after the eight elected members remained deadlocked.

City of Busselton officers had recommended the name Busselton (Margaret River) Regional Airport would provide the best opportunity for the future commercial viability of the facility.

Councillors who supported the motion at Wednesday night’s meeting stressed the importance of civic pride and the results of pubic consultation which saw three-quarters of respondents support the existing name.

“It was an overwhelming referendum from ratepayers who told us clearly they don’t want the change,” Cr Terry Best said.

“We’ve been accused of ignoring the consultation process. We now have the opportunity to knock the myth on the head.”

Mayor Stubbs said there needed to be “compelling statistical evidence” that the name would impact the airport’s commercial viability to justify the change.

And said there would still be the option to include Margaret River at a later stage if it was absolutely necessary.

“Change the name now and it is likely to remain forever, the option for future change will be lost,” he said.

However, councillors Tom Tuffin, John McCallum, Gordon Bleechmore and Grant Henley were vehement in their opposition, arguing brand awareness was crucial.

Cr Henley added the name change would help strengthen the case for government funding for the airport’s expansion.

Cr Tuffin said it was “sheer folly” not to take on the advice of State Government agencies, including Tourism WA, that the name change was essential.

“We need to have enough confidence in (Busselton),” he said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and we should not allow false pride and parochialism mess it up.

“Why restrict our attractions to just one name.”

Cr McCallum said the airport would need every bit of marketing strength to become successful.

“Busselton has a brand now, but we need the extra leverage,” he said.

“I don’t think we should be precious about a name.”

Tourism WA chief executive Stephanie Buckland said the group’s preference was that the name of a redeveloped airport should include Margaret River.