Nationals consider new SW airport

Bunbury residents could catch a train and be on a plane to eastern States cities within 40 minutes in an ambitious plan to be debated at this weekend’s WA Nationals conference.

The Collie-Preston branch wants the State Government to build WA’s second major airport between Mandurah and Bunbury along Forrest Highway.

Branch president and Bunbury city councillor James Hayward said a second major airport was essential for WA.

“In terms of growing our region’s access to interstate and international transport close by, it is essential, ” he said.

“Particularly for the South West, to make it even more of an attractive place to invest in.

“Business access to air transport is so vital in today’s modern world and would make living in Bunbury and the South West a lot more attractive.”

If the motion is passed at this weekend’s conference it will be adopted as WA National Party policy.

The proposal would rival a plan to expand Busselton Airport that is being considered by the State Government.

Tourism WA, the South West Development Commission and Busselton City Council have put forward a business case to the State Government for a $73 million expansion of the Busselton airport with plans to attract airlines flying across Australia and from Singapore.

However, Mr Hayward said Busselton was too far away to be an attractive travel option for South West residents.

“There will be some people saying Busselton already has an airstrip, ” he said.

“Busselton is too far away to service Perth.

“If you live south of the current airport then one located south of Mandurah could be just as close if not closer.

“You could never get that synergy with the airport in Busselton.”

The proposal also includes the extension of the electric train system from Mandurah to the new airport and on to the Bunbury central business district.

Tourism Council chief executive officer Evan Hall said the State Government needed sustainable plans for regional aviation.

“Aviation is incredibly important for regional tourism development and it is absolutely critical that the State Government ensures plans are successful and maintained, also for regional communities as an economic lifeline.”

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