MLA pushes case for SW airport funds

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam has taken up the issue of funding the Busselton Regional Airport expansion with Premier Colin Barnett.

Ms Mettam said other issues discussed included the naming of the airport.

The City of Busselton is waiting on a $45 million funding announcement from Royalties for Regions.

Ms Mettam said the decision would be made at the State Cabinet table but it was valuable to have the support of the Premier.

"As a key election campaign commitment it is important this issue continues to be raised with, and supported by, the Premier," she said.

"The Premier understands and appreciates the value of the airport to the South West and Margaret River region.

"There is some concern about the airport being called the Margaret River Regional Airport, and it was discussed that an alternative name could be the Capes Airport which would build on other aspects of this region's value. There is also a strong case for including Busselton in the name."

Mr Barnett said he was a strong advocate for the project.

"It is an important project for the region, with a key factor being its use by both tourists and FIFO workers," he said.

"It is currently under consideration by the State Government."

The announcement, which is expected later this year, has been identified as a priority project for the South West and wider WA.

South West MLC Adele Farina said the Barnett Government had done nothing to prioritise the expansion of the Busselton Airport.

"Despite the business case for the expansion being completed last financial year, it has yet to be presented to Cabinet, and the project cannot progress until it has the support of Cabinet," she said.

"Federal funding for this project cannot be pursued until there is a financial commitment from the State Government, so it is the inaction of the Barnett Government that is holding back the expansion of the airport.

"Words are cheap; the Premier needs to back up his claims of support with actions, not more empty promises."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the proposal was currently under review by the Government.

"The tourism industry and the South West regional economy would benefit enormously if the airport was extended to cater for flights from the Eastern States," he said.

"It is a major infrastructure project that would require investment of taxpayers' money, so it's important that the project is thoroughly researched and properly considered. Any announcement about the project will be made in due course."