The fate of the much-awaited terminal at Busselton-Margaret River Airport looks to be in the hands of Qantas.
The Qantas Group Pilot Academy management team visited Busselton on July 19 as part of a process to select a location for the airline’s new Pilot Academy.
Last week regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan met with Qantas Pilot Academy representatives and told them should a decision be made to base the academy in Busselton, the state government would press the button immediately to begin construction on the new terminal.
“We are going in to bat hard for the Qantas pilot academy to be based in Busselton, including establishing the Western Australian Pilot Training Taskforce to work with Qantas to demonstrate Busselton’s advantages as a base,” she said.
Ms MacTiernan had previously stated to the Mail the state government would need to review whether to proceed with the new terminal if no interstate airline had agreed to come to Busselton by the end of July.
Now, she has said if Qantas come onboard, the terminal would go ahead with or without a contract for passenger flights.
“We believe that the academy would help focus the mind of the Qantas group on regular public transport flights to the airport,” she said.
“We will await the outcome of the pilot academy selection process before making any decision about the future of the new terminal.”
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said the city remained focused on the expansion program and was working hard to secure a regular passenger airline, regardless of the pilot academy outcome.
“Obviously we are pleased with the minister’s positive interjection,” he said.
“We are keen to see funding earmarked for the new terminal released as soon as possible so the construction program at the airport can re-commence.
“We have no reason to believe the funding for the terminal, which is on the current state budget, will not be forthcoming.“
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam accused the government of playing politics with the region and the South West tourism industry.
“If this government is serious about attracting interstate flights to Busselton, it’s vital that the airport expansion project is completed, including the terminal and that tourism WA take a lead in airline engagement,” she said.
“We cannot afford for this project to be delayed any further.
“Whilst a pilot school may offer much promise the priority must continue to be interstate flights, given this was a key part of the business case for the airport.”
The academy, due to open its doors in 2019, is part of the Qantas Group’s plans to build a long-term talent pipeline for its airlines and meet the increasing need for skilled aviators.
South West MLC Steve Thomas questioned Ms MacTiernan on what would happen to the project if Qantas selected another location.
“There are ten shortlisted sites, and if our location is selected we all win. But what happens if it goes to Tamworth or Alice Springs,” he said.
“The greater question is whether this statement is just the government giving itself an ‘out clause’ on the project.
“We are a one in nine shot of getting pilot training school, and the government seems to be suggesting that if the 89 per cent chance comes true and it goes elsewhere the terminal project disappears with it.
“If that is not the case the government needs to clarify its position now.”
The Qantas Group Pilot Academy management team, including executive manager Wes Nobelius and QantasLink chief pilot Adrian Young visited the Busselton-Margaret River Airport site and met with local government leaders.
Mr Nobelius said it would be a competitive process to decide the new academy location.
A final decision is expected to be made by the end of September.
