Busselton airport still waiting on funding

Mr Nalder said it was a worthwhile project but it needed to go through the proper channels before money was allocated.

He said the project’s business plan was waiting for regional development minister Terry Redman’s seal of approval before it went to cabinet.

“We are also waiting on whether the federal government will provide funding which will ensure it is a viable project,” he said.

The Busselton Regional Airport expansion includes extending the runway, expansion of the passenger terminal to provide AQIS and international passenger facilities, expansion of car parking facilities, including hire cars and buses.

In the 2014 Vasse by-election, Nationals leader Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions would be the most likely avenue for state funding.

This project’s potential was identified by industry players in Tourism Australia’s 2020 draft plan as well as the South West Development Commission’s Blueprint for the region.

While in Busselton Mr Nalder met with City of Busselton mayor Ian Stubbs, chief executive Mike Archer, South West Development Commission chief executive Don Punch, Augusta Margaret River Bussselton Tourism Association chief executive Pip Close and Busselton Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ray McMillan.

Ms Mettam said the state government also had a plan to double the size of the tourism sector and had recognised that the South West Region would be a key part in delivering this strategy.

“As the minister for transport, Dean Nalder is the key cabinet minister it is a major step forward to have him here today to hear the merits of this proposal in Busselton,” she said.