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Both Labor and the Coalition have pledged millions of dollars to upgrade Albany Airport as Western Australia prepares for next month’s state election.
The Coalition has said it will provide $14 million, and Labor $11.5 million, to complete upgrades backed by $14.6 million from the federal government’s Growing Regions Program if elected on 8 March. The funding will assist the airport in the state’s southwest to complete its $30 million master plan.
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“It’s a project that Rebecca [Stephens] a member for Albany, and of course the City of Albany has raised with me and it’s been a project we’ve been working with the City of Albany on for a long time,” state Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
“We know that there is demand here, in particular, there has been new and expanded FIFO opportunities in Albany, more and more FIFO workers and more and more residents undertaking jobs throughout WA.”
Albany Airport has served almost 70,000 passengers in the last 12 months and, according to Nationals candidate for Albany Scott Leary, needs upgrades to support growing passenger traffic.
“Air travel is a crucial service for any community, and our airport has long needed crucial upgrades to enhance safety, ensure the runway’s usability, and cement Albany as a tourism hub, paving the way for future interstate flights and economic growth,” Leary said.
“It’s also a lifeline for patients travelling to Perth for specialist medical care and for bringing essential medical professionals to Albany. The Royal Flying Doctor Service completes more than 900 flights annually from Albany.
“This isn’t just about Albany – this $14 million commitment benefits communities across the Great Southern, Albany and Plantagenet, from Denmark to Katanning and Jerramungup.”
WA Nationals leader Shane Love added that the precarious state of Rex, which remains in administration after its collapse last year, highlights the need for an overhaul of the airport. Rex is the only regular passenger airline currently serving Albany, with a route to Perth.
“With the uncertainty surrounding Rex Airlines, currently in administration, the urgency for upgrades has never been greater,” he said.
“A new air service provider may require larger aircraft, which the current infrastructure simply cannot support.”
The news follows the WA government extending its Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme, which caps regional fares to and from Perth at either $199 or $299 through state government subsidies, until the middle of 2026.
