Airport's $10m bid knocked back

Busselton has again missed out on $10 million of Federal Government funding which would pave the way for international flights at the expanded regional airport.

The City applied through round two of the National Stronger Regions Fund, but was not included in the successful projects announced this week.

City of Busselton chief executive Mike Archer said the knockback would not delay the expansion, but could affect costs.

"If we are unsuccessful in the third and final round, it will mean that we are unable to undertake works necessary for future international operations at this stage," he said. "This will mean that we will need to do this at a later date and clearly this will cost significantly more.

"The funding request was for the further lengthening, strengthening and widening of the runway to cater for international carriers, both regular passenger transport and freight, and for the further expansion of the terminal to cater for immigration and quarantine requirements, beyond what the State Government funding will provide for."

The City had applied for round one of the fund this year, but missed out due to a delay in the confirmation of State Government funding for the expansion.

Federal MP Nola Marino said she would look into why the City missed out in round two.

"The Stronger Regions program was a competitive one, and although there were excellent applications from the South West at this stage they have not been successful," she said. "I will, however, be following up to find out why, and to seek support for good projects in the Forrest electorate."

A spokesman for Federal Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss said the fund was a competitive tendering round and all projects were assessed on their individual merits.

He encouraged those who missed out to apply for another round of funding in January, which Mr Archer said the City would do.

"We will be seeking feedback on our application and resubmitting it early next year when round three funding applications are sought," he said.