TRANSPORT MINISTER VISITS EXMOUTH

Transport & Housing Minister Troy Buswell was in Exmouth on Tuesday 18th January to announce the introduction of competition on the Perth to Exmouth air route following a review of intrastate air services.

Mr Buswell travelled to Exmouth on a QantasB717 where he made the announcement at the Novotel Ningaloo Resort in front of a large media contingent, members of the local shire, Chamber of Commerce and community.

Troy Buswell
Minister for Transport & Housing

Mr Buswell informed the gathering that QantasLink and Skywest had agreed to operate the route in competition with each other.

“Businesses, tourism operators and the Exmouth community have been actively seeking competition on this route for some time and this is a good outcome for them,” he said.

“The provision of competitive services to Exmouth will provide better access to the famous tourism attractions and give a significant boost to tourism in the region.”

At present about 70,000 passengers travel on this route each year and with the introduction of competition and expected increase in tourist numbers along with the increased activity in the resources sector in the region there is potential for growth.

“Exmouth will also benefit from the international exposure offered through the Qantas network and through Skywest’s arrangements with Virgin Airlines.”

QantasLink B717, Learmonth Airport

The announcement was the culmination of a review of intrastate air services that involved comprehensive stakeholder consultation, airport-by-airport analysis and financial assessments.

Subject to formal agreement, it was expected that the introduction of Qantas on the Perth to Exmouth route would take affect from February 28, 2011.