Busselton–Margaret River, WA airport expansion works begin

Western Australia’s Southwest is a step closer to getting direct flights to and from Melbourne and Sydney after the first sod was turned at a ceremony, marking the start of the expansion of Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the project would deliver positive outcomes for the whole region and was a further example of how Royalties for Regions was benefiting regional communities and the state as a whole.
“The project is another example of the Liberal National Government’s strong record in investing in strategic projects to drive regional economic growth,” he said.
The airport upgrades are to support increases in the movement of people and airfreight in the region, and foster long-term opportunities for development into the future.
“It will also have a positive impact on long-term regional development by lowering the cost of doing business in the region, attracting regional investment and creating local employment opportunities in logistics, agriculture, aquaculture and other supporting industries,” Redman added.
The State Government has committed $56.5 million to the project and the Commonwealth Government’s contribution of $9.78 million will allow for the potential for direct international airfreight flights. The City of Busselton has spent $3.5 million on the redevelopment.