A draft aviation strategy aimed at improving affordability and connectivity for Western Australians has been released by the Department of Transport, with regional residents urged to have their say on the planning document.
Director of Aviation at the Department, Peter Ryan said the Draft WA Aviation Strategy 2020 set out the future direction of aviation in WA, with a number of the recommendations and actions relating to regional air services.
Mr Ryan said feedback from regional residents was important, given the impact that the cost of regional airfares and air services had on those living and working in regional Western Australia.
“We want to make sure the views from regional WA are considered to ensure we create the best possible policy direction for aviation in WA for the next five years,” he said.
He said a series of consultation workshops had been held in Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Onslow, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland during 2019.
“The ideas, questions and contributions from everyone who participated at the workshops last year provided great insights that have been used to inform the Strategy,” Mr Ryan said.
“A number of airfare initiatives which were put forward at the workshops are identified in the Strategy and are now in market.”
He said community feedback would help ensure Western Australia had an aviation industry that supported the future needs of the State.
“All feedback will be considered by the Government and will help shape the future of airfares and aviation in WA,” Mr Ryan said.
The 52-page strategy document can be accessed at this PS News link.