Warren-Blackwood MLA Terry Redman has called on the State Government to build a promised terminal at Busselton Margaret River Airport to capitalise on the tourism potential of direct flights into the region.
In a motion moved in state parliament, Mr Redman said landing a Jetstar service to-and-from Melbourne meant the airport needed a new terminal to cater for the demand.
"From the outset the Labor Government has been against this project and have left all the heavy lifting to the City of Busselton to get the flights off the ground," he said.
"The Minister for Regional Development last year promised if a deal was struck with an airline, she would press the button on releasing funds withheld to build a terminal for the airport.
"While this was never part of the original funding agreement, the City of Busselton worked hard to negotiate this deal.
"Now, despite all the hurdles the McGowan Government has put in the way, the planes are coming and the minister is clawing for other reasons to withhold the $12 million set aside for the project.
"The state government needs to keep its promise and release the funding to construct the terminal."
In parliament, tourism minister Paul Papalia said the Jetstar flights between Busselton and Melbourne were a three-year trial with the current facilities.
Mr Papalia said the regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan indicated subject to how that goes, she would determine whether there was a need for a larger facility to accommodate larger aircraft.
"In the event the trial is successful and tourist numbers are large enough to justify larger aircraft than Jetstar is initially trialling, there may be a need for a larger or different terminal," he said.
A Jetstar spokesperson said they had seen a terrific response from customers since the route went on sale with strong demand for seats from the local community and visitors from the East Coast.
"We have sold more than 3,500 sale fares and more than 5,500 seats overall," the spokesperson said.
"The first couple of weeks of flights including the Easter holiday period have been particularly popular.
"We regularly offer sales throughout the year, and we'll be including Busselton to Melbourne in this activity."