Major upgrades to Albany Airport are forging ahead to support the region's growth, jobs and future firefighting capabilities, with a construction tender now open.
The project is supported by a $14.7 million investment from the Albanese Government's Growing Regions Program, a Cook Government election commitment of $14 million and about $12.9 million from the City of Albany.
Albany Airport is a critical gateway to WA's Great Southern region, supporting flights for residents, businesses and tourists.
The City of Albany will manage the project, which includes comprehensive upgrades to the runway, taxiways and aprons to accommodate heavier, more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The upgrades will help grow fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) employment opportunities in Albany and support flights between Albany and Perth, made more popular and affordable through the Cook Government's Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.
The project design will also enable future airport development to support firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers, to bolster emergency responses across the region.
It will also support the potential for direct east coast flights, leading to new tourism, business and freight opportunities.
The construction works tender can be viewed on the City of Albany's website at www.albany.wa.gov.au and closes on Wednesday, 17 June.
Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain:
"Albany Airport plays an important role in the region's prosperity and resilience and we are proud to help secure its future through this upgrade.
"Aircraft movements and passenger numbers through the airport continue to increase and this project will deliver the infrastructure to keep pace with community needs.
"We look forward to seeing it progress and to the long-term economic benefits and emergency services support it will bring to the Great Southern."
Quotes attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Albany Airport is a critical connection to the Great Southern region, and it is important its infrastructure is future-proofed to meet demand.
"More people than ever are flying in and out of Albany Airport, including residents accessing cheaper flights through our Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.
"This scheme has already delivered more than 42,000 capped flights for Albany locals since it was introduced in 2022.
"These airport upgrades will help better connect the community to essential services and job opportunities, as well as bring more visitors to the region.
"They will also open up more FIFO employment opportunities for Albany families which help fuel WA's economy."
Quotes attributed to WA Tourism and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"Albany is one of Western Australia's great tourism destinations, and the upgrades will help ensure more people can discover everything the Great Southern has to offer.
"Better airport infrastructure means increased flight connections, more visitors through the region and more opportunities for local businesses that will strengthen the Great Southern economy for years to come.
"The prospect of direct east coast flights is incredibly exciting for Albany and the wider Great Southern which would put the region within reach of millions more Australians visiting strengthening the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy."
Quotes attributed to Senator for Western Australia Dorinda Cox:
"The administration of Rex Airlines left regional communities facing uncertainty. Labor backed the sale of Rex, and now we're delivering support for airports like Albany to keep regional WA connected.
"These upgrades will support jobs, strengthen our economy, and help future-proof the region. Labor will always stand up for regional WA."
Quotes attributed to WA MLC Samantha Rowe:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to keeping our regions strong and that starts with delivering quality infrastructure.
"These essential upgrades will strengthen Albany's role as a strategic regional hub by supporting local businesses, essential services and jobs."
Quotes attributed to Mayor of Albany Greg Stocks:
"Albany Airport is a lifeline for our region.
"It supports local businesses, essential services and continued capability of supporting the landing of larger aircraft for our FIFO industry and emergency services.
"The growth of Albany Airport will drive economic vitality and enhance community connectivity, with investment from all levels of government recognising the significant impact the upgrade will have on our region's prosperity and future."
