The opening of the new Wave Rock airstrip at Hyden announced

7/8/98

Transport Minister Murray Criddle today announced the opening of the new Wave Rock Airstrip at Hyden.

The airport was officially opened by former Transport Minister Eric Charlton.

Mr Charlton was invited to open the airstrip in recognition of his previous involvement in the Regional Airport Development Scheme.

He said the airstrip would provide valuable access to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and provide a potential tourism boon for the region.

Mr Criddle said the 1,400m airstrip was large enough to accommodate charter turbo prop aircraft from Perth and replaced the old airstrip that was close to being unserviceable.

He said the project was jointly funded through the Regional Airport Development Scheme administered by Transport and the Hyden Tourist Development Company.

Mr Charlton praised the efforts of Russel Mouritz and his family in bringing the project to fruition.

"The Mouritz family and the local community have worked tirelessly for this project and have invested a great deal of time and money into this new airstrip," he said.

Mr Criddle said the WA Government was pleased to contribute to a project that clearly had benefits to the community by enabling the RFDS access and further tourism development.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9481 2133