The West, 6Feb17
Parties back new airport plan
By Geoffrey Thomas
The proposed $200 million upgrade of Cunderdin airport to handle emergency diversions from Perth has received unusual bipartisan support from the major political parties.
Minister for State Development , Transport and Innovation Bill Marmion said yesterday that the Government “supports the proposal’’ for an alternative airport in Cunderdin.
“Over the last eight years, Perth has grown into a mature city, so it’s absurd that a widebody plane still needs to be diverted all the way to Adelaide when there is serious inclement weather,” he said. “A local alternative landing site will bring benefits to travellers, aviation companies and importantly the Cunderdin community.”
The Weekend West revealed on Saturday that WA-based company Ascent Aviation was well advanced with its plans to redevelop Cunderdin airport, which include a 2600m runway to enable airlines to cut fuel costs and offer significant operational safety benefits.
Most international flights need to carry fuel to divert to Adelaide or Exmouth, but those airports are up to three hours from Perth. Cunderdin is a little more than 15 minutes away from the city and is not affected by weather at Perth Airport. These advantages will also attract new airlines to serve Perth.
Labor leader Mark McGowan said the concept was a positive step. “A back-up airport or second international airport would be a major boost for tourism and if elected, it is something my government would work on,” he said.
Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said it was exciting to think what such a proposal could mean for the Wheatbelt.
“Diversifying the economies of our regions ensures our country towns can continue to grow and prosper making them more attractive locations for people to live and work,” he said.
Mr Grylls added that “as a condition of government, I expect development of any new facility will mean short-term jobs for local contractors and businesses” .
Mr Marmion said that “to realise the economic opportunities of the proposal, the Department of State Development has been appointed lead agency to work with the proponent to facilitate approvals and improve interaction with government” .
The Cunderdin redevelopment as an alternative to Perth Airport has widespread support in the aviation community, which believes its proximity to Perth and different weather conditions offer benefits for airlines.
Wheatbelt Development Commission chief executive Wendy Newman said the project would benefit the aviation industry in the area. “Cunderdin as a diversion airport is a win-win for airlines and ticks all the boxes as airlines can load more passengers or freight in place of the fuel saved,” she said.