Upgrading of Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing airports a priority

26/7/95

Transport Minister Eric Charlton announced today high priority consideration would be given to the upgrading of the Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing airports to all-weather standard.

"The Government is anxious to provide the best possible air network throughout the State, with the $7 million allocated in the Budget to upgrade some regional airports and to assist local owners to build new ones," Mr Charlton said.

The Minister said regional airports across Western Australia were a major element of the State's transport infrastructure and the Government was committed to making sure this network was adequate to meet present and future access and regional development requirements.

Interest had been shown in the construction of new airports at Karijini and Kalbarri and the Government was still waiting to receive the relevant expressions of interest for these projects.

Mr Charlton said the Federal Government had withdrawn from its responsibility in relation to the maintenance and upgrading of regional airports and local government had been left with the increased financial burden to maintain them.

In response, the WA Government had allocated $3 million this financial year for airport projects as part of a $7 million funding program over the next three years.

The Minister said part of the Kimberley Transport Strategy, presently being finalised by the Department of Transport, classified as urgent the upgrading to all-weather status of the Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek airports.

Tthe Regional Airports Development Strategy was part of a plan to ensure WA had a strong and competitive aviation industry.

"The State Government will work with airport and aerodrome owners to provide funding where it is needed to make sure this happens," Mr Charlton said.

Media contact:  Ian Hasleby (09) 321 7333