John Bell Terminal opened at Albany Airport

May 16, 1998

Primary Industry Minister today opened the John Bell Terminal at the Albany Airport as part of an on-going redevelopment program.

The improved facilities at the regional airport incorporate an extended runway and an improved terminal building.

Primary Industry Minister Monty House said the improvements would greatly enhance the airports potential to attract larger aircraft with the possibility of direct interstate or overseas flights.

"The airport has played, and will continue to play, a vital role in stimulating the regional economy, improving tourism access and business opportunities for the whole Great Southern region," Mr House said.

"More than 30,000 passengers visited Albany last year representing a substantial increase on previous years, a trend the region can take advantage of in the future."

The 'Southern Provision Transport Strategy', recently released by the Coalition Government, identified potential benefits such as using Albany Airport to export seafood and horticulture products and the possibility of Albany developing as a key player in pilot training.

Primary Industry Minister said that he was privileged to officially name the John Bell Terminal after the late John Bell.

John Bell was Albany's well known aviator who had originally been a spotter pilot for a whaling company. Mr Bell was instrumental in having the whaling station turned into a museum.

"The memory of John Bell as a respected aviation identity who contributed significantly to the Albany region will continue with the naming of the new terminal after him," Mr House said.

Media contact: Julie Cole (08) 9481 2044