Nationals WA commit $14 million to support upgrades to Albany Regional Airport if elected in March

Albany Regional Airport will get $14 million in upgrades if the WA Nationals win the March State election.

Leader Shane Love said the airport is a “lifeline” for services from the Perth metropolitan area entering the region, and is vital for the future of Albany.

“This would also set up company for a future tourist development because of the increased traffic that would be available here,” he said.

“We want to increase the size of the planes up to a 737 standard to enable much bigger loads of people to come here.

“One of the reasons for this course is we know that the current arrangements with Rex Airlines are somewhat precarious, with the future of Rex not being known.

“This will open up the opportunity for other operators to take up the opportunity to come to Albany with larger aircraft, which will be more efficient and provide a better service for all of the people of Albany.”

As part of the Albany Airport Master Plan 2043, endorsed by the council in April last year, the airport will undergo upgrades to improve the runway, taxiway, and apron, and the passenger terminal and carpark will be expanded.

Mr Love said he was “very pleased” to support Albany in the upgrades and that if elected funding for the airport would happen “as quickly as possible” through Royalties for Regions.

“This is a big step away from what the current Government is offering Albany for its airport — a miserable two and a half million dollar investment — leaving the people of Albany to fundraise and to take loans to the tune of well over $10 million just to be able to complete the project,” he said.

Nationals WA Albany candidate Scott Leary said the airport is a gateway to the Great Southern, providing a direct link to Perth and metropolitan services.

Mr Leary said the airport has serviced nearly 70,000 passengers in the last 12 months, and more than 900 Royal Flying Doctor service flights annually.

“This is not just for Albany and Plantagenet, this will also affect the Great Southern so everywhere from Denmark through to Katanning and Jerramungup, it is a great asset for the Great Southern and we look forward to the contribution,” he said.