22/9/01
Kalbarri's tourism industry today received a major boost with the official opening of the town's new $1.67 million airport.
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Michelle Roberts, said the new facility would better equip Kalbarri as a competitor in the race for the tourist dollar in Western Australia.
Mrs Roberts said the new Kalbarri Airport would significantly improve the town's status on the WA tourism map by providing better facilities for air services in and out of the town.
"Last year the number of tourists visiting the Kalbarri region increased by more than 12,000 people and with the new airport in operation this figure is expected to increase again over the current year," she said.
The Minister said the State Government contributions had totalled nearly $1 million to the redevelopment of the airport.
"This Government is committed to supporting and expanding regional air services which are vital to the State's economy and to the livelihood of people who rely on this essential service," she said.
"The Premier's announcement this week of a $5 million boost to the tourism promotions and marketing budget reinforces our commitment to assisting this critical area of transport through this difficult period."
Mrs Roberts said that up till now the air services to Kalbarri had been limited by the standard of the town's airstrip which placed restrictions on the type of aircraft which were able to land.
The new airport, which boasted a 1,600m-long sealed runway and modern terminal building, was capable of receiving Fokker F50 aircraft and occasional BAe 146 regional jets.
"This substantially improves the level of access for air services into Kalbarri increasing the opportunities for charter flights into the area and giving greater access to important emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service," she said.
Mrs Roberts said while 50 per cent of funding for the airport was through the Government's successful Regional Airports Development Scheme, there were also significant support from the local shires of Northampton and Greenough and the private sector.
"The new Kalbarri Airport is an excellent example of what can be achieved when different levels of Government work together in partnership with the private sector," she said.
Mrs Roberts also acknowledged the role of the local Aboriginals, the Nanda people, who supported the project from the beginning and agreed to the excision of land from the Kalbarri National Park to provide the site for the new facility.
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600
