September 7, 2018 Sector the big loser in minister’s politicised tourism agenda Comments from Tourism Minister Paul Papalia saying the Busselton airport plan was “a pup” underlined industry concerns about the politicisation of the tourism portfolio, according to Shadow Tourism Minister Libby Mettam. “Comments like this from the Minister undermine any confidence the sector has in his ability or desire to deliver on tourism for regional WA,” Ms Mettam said. “As Tourism Minister he should be doing everything he can to make the most of the investment and leverage off the demand for the most popular international tourism destination outside of Perth. “A 2009 feasibility study, commissioned to look at the viability of the airport, found the impetus for an expanded airport was growth greater than 50 per cent, so given there has been growth in the region of more than 90 per cent since 2008 there remains an outstanding argument to support this valuable project. “So far, the only initiatives Minister Papalia has delivered were instigated by the former Liberal National Government. “Since coming to office the Minister and the McGowan Government have done everything to undermine the Busselton Airport project, despite support from industry and the Federal Government. “This is a Government that has talked up regional aviation, except when it comes to electorates outside where they have members.” Ms Mettam said the McGowan Government pulled funds from the airport expansion as part of an ‘optimisational review’, which delayed the project some 12 months, then removed Tourism WA from airline engagement and then said it would withhold funding for the terminal until an airline committed to the route. “Expansion of the Busselton Airport to accommodate interstate passenger flights and international freight was identified under the former Liberal-led Government as a key transformational project for the South-West,” she said. “Labor went to the 2017 election pledging jobs and tourism growth but less than six months after being sworn in began pulling funding from the airport and the region. “The ability to fly from the east coast direct to the South West – for a gourmet weekender or a surfing adventure holiday or business conference – would take tourism to a whole new level.” Media Contact |
