South West MLAs have hit out at the state government for not providing adequate assistance to the City of Busselton as it tries to secure an airline for the Busselton Margaret River Airport project.
Warren-Blackwood MLA Terry Redman and Vasse MLA Libby Mettam broached the topic in separate budget estimate hearings last week.
Mr Redman told the Mail he wasn’t convinced the state government and the South West Development Commission were doing enough to support the city achieve an airline contract.
“The City of Busselton seem to be the lone souls doing that work,” Mr Redman said.
“I think the state government could proactively get into meetings with airlines as they have done with supporting airlines in to Broome with Qantas, as they have done with Singapore.
“Why not get on to this agenda and actually land the outcome. Just look at the commentary in what’s happening with Broome now, in the talk of cheaper flights and talk of Singapore landing directly in Broome.
“We should take that, footprint it in the South West centred around Busselton, which has got massive tourism opportunities, capacity, businesses and unique sights - it’s just an opportunity lost in my view.
“The only commentary I hear is they are sitting in the back box waiting for something to happen. Now I think, they could be much more proactive than what they are in delivering the solution.”
Ms Mettam said it was confirmed last week in parliament that Tourism WA was withdrawn from the project to lead airline engagement last October.
“(It) is disappointing given the region is the most popular international destination outside Perth,” she said.
“Regardless of the new Government's priorities, it is essential they leverage the current investment and the visitor trends which suggests the international brand of Margaret River is worth promoting not only for the benefit of the region, but the state as a whole.”
The South West Development Commission was approached for comment but referred questions to regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan
Ms MacTiernan said the state government, through the South West Development Commission and Tourism Western Australia, had been working with the City of Busselton to implement the agreed Airline Engagement Strategy.
