City of Busselton to develop fresh business case for airport expansion ambitions

The City of Busselton and its supporters are going back to the drawing board, developing a fresh business case to justify expansion of Busselton Airport’s passenger capabilities. Amid strong growth from fly-in, fly-out charter flights, and increasing demand and ambitions for more direct Eastern States flights, the lack of an adequate passenger terminal to greet arrivals to the Margaret River region has been a hot topic in recent years. The Times understands the State Government will not look at further investment at the airport until the city and partners in the South West Development Commission furnish a new business case. The latest news comes as Vasse MLA Libby Mettam reiterated demands for the State Government and Regional Development Minister Don Punch to get behind the project for the sake of the region’s tourism and exports. Ms Mettam said the lack of State Government forward funding for the airport was a “missed opportunity”. “(It) highlights the Labor Government’s out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude to people living in regional areas,” she said. “We need to be on the front foot, attracting international visitors to the regions. “Investment for the terminal expansion would open up potential for other routes, build on the region’s international reputation, interstate capacity and the growth that the airport has already experienced as a result of the former government’s investment in the airport and this region.” The Liberal Party leader alleged Labor had “done nothing but continue to undermine the importance of this critical infrastructure upgrade”. Mr Punch was on leave and unable to respond to media inquiries. A terminal upgrade was last estimated to cost about $15 million, with $9.5m previously reallocated from the airport project to the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre project, which has also yet to proceed. City chief executive Tony Nottle, speaking also on behalf of the SWDC, said the business case was part of a major review for the airport. “SWDC, City of Busselton and other key organisations are working together to investigate the essential infrastructure that will facilitate airport growth,” he said. “A steering committee will convene soon to determine the full scope and delivery timeline of a business case. “The city is also currently working on the full review and update of the Busselton-Margaret River Airport Master Plan to assist in the preparation of a high-quality business case to be presented to the Minister in 2023.” An SWDC spokesperson declined to shed light on what changes the new business plan might feature or the existing funding attached to the project, and Mr Nottle was also not able to clarify any funding already in place. Mr Nottle said the city was also working with the Department of Transport to develop a strategic asset and financial management framework for the airport, funded by the Department of Transport’s Regional Airport Development Scheme program. “These two critical pieces of work will form a key part of the business case that will be presented to the Minister and State Government,” the chief said. Ms Mettam said full funding disclosure and options should be released.