$30m funding gives Busselton, Margaret River, Bunbury airports safety upgrades

Three South West airports are among 89 regional locations nationwide to share in almost $30 million funding for vital upgrades.

Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River airports will benefit from the Federal Government funding delivered as Round Two of the Regional Airports Program.

The grant will allow Bunbury airport to reseal the runway, install lighting and replace the wind indicator.

Margaret River will upgrade the landing area to enable safer and more efficient circulation of water bombers when refilling and refuelling, while Busselton will build a dedicated emergency services precinct with an apron for Royal Flying Doctor Service operations.

Forrest MHR Nola Marino said the projects would improve the safety of airport operations in the region and better meet the operational requirements of medical and other emergency services.

“These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of medical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness,” she said.

“Every dollar spent contributes to the local economy and local jobs and I look forward to working with the community to deliver this vital funding as we continue recovering from the pandemic.”