Melbourne to Busselton direct flight set for take off

Direct flights from Melbourne to Busselton could be hitting the tarmac in six months in a big win for South West tourism.

For years the planned $60 million Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport expansion has stalled amid wrangling over funding and because no deal had been signed with an airline.

But Busselton mayor Grant Henley said a contract with an airline was likely to be finalised in coming months, in a major milestone for the project.

And he said flights could begin within the next six to nine months, initially from Melbourne, but paving the way for future direct routes from Sydney and international flights from Singapore.

The local shire and tourism group, Australia’s South West, say that would power a new tourism boom for the region, with domestic and international visitors flocking in record numbers to take in the South West’s natural attractions and wineries without the need to travel via Perth.

It is understood Jetstar is most likely to snap up the Busselton route, although how much the airline is being offered as an incentive remains confidential.

Direct flights would also make travelling to the east coast far easier for South West residents keen to avoid a six-hour round trip to Perth Airport, and unlock the potential for east coast travellers to fly into Perth for a game at Optus Stadium, but fly home from Busselton after a visit.

“We’re looking at finalising negotiations in the next couple of months, maybe even in the next month,” Mr Henley said. “We’re very confident of getting a positive outcome in the near future.”

A signed deal with an airline would unlock about $13 million in State Government funding that has been earmarked for a new terminal.

With preliminary earthworks and planning already done, the shire says the new terminal could be built in about seven months, although flights could start before construction finishes using temporary facilities.