Significant upgrades to Albany Airport will get underway later this year to improve connectivity to the Great Southern, support local jobs and the region's economic growth.
Downer Group has been appointed to deliver the works following a two-stage procurement process by the City of Albany to optimise the project design, identify and manage construction risks and ensure value for money.
The project is supported by a $14.7 million contribution from the Albanese Government's Growing Regions program, a $14 million Cook Government election commitment and approximately $15.5 million from the City of Albany.
The project will include strengthening and resurfacing the main runway, upgrades to taxiways and aprons, improvements to airfield lighting, drainage works and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) compliance upgrades.
This will allow the airport to accommodate larger, more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft with up to 100 seats.
The project, being led by the City of Albany, will support regular passenger services, FIFO charter flights, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) operations and firefighting aircraft.
It will also position the airport to support potential east coast flights in the future.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with work staged to minimise operational disruptions.
The airport improvements are part of the Cook Government's commitment to unlocking economic development in the regions and delivering quality infrastructure and services across the State.
The Cook Government is also delivering affordable airfares for Albany residents through the landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme, with more than 42,000 capped flights taken by Albany locals since it was introduced in 2022.
Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain MP:
"It's great to see this project reaching another important milestone with the appointment of a contractor.
"Investments in regional infrastructure help create the conditions for economic growth by improving connectivity and supporting local industries.
"These upgrades will enhance the airport's capability and help ensure it can meet the needs of a growing region.
"The Albanese Government is proud to support infrastructure that strengthens regional communities and supports future opportunities."
Quotes attributed to WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Albany Airport is a critical gateway to the Great Southern, with more than 65,000 people travelling through the airport each year on regular passenger services alone.
"We know demand for flights are only set to grow from local families, workers and visitors, and we want to ensure Albany has the modern facilities it needs.
"These upgrades will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircrafts, opening the potential for direct flights to the east coast in the future.
"Our Government is proud to be supporting local jobs and new opportunities for economic growth through the delivery of this important infrastructure."
Quotes attributed to WA Minister for Regional Development Stephen Dawson:
"Albany Airport plays a key role in connecting the Great Southern to the rest of Western Australia and beyond.
"These upgrades will enhance the airport's capacity, support economic activity across the region, and ensure it can continue serving the needs of the community well into the future.
"As part of the Cook Labor Government's Seven Cities vision, this investment reinforces Albany's role as a key regional centre and supports the continued growth and development of the Great Southern."
Quotes attributed to Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"This is an incredible project for the Great Southern and it will help us welcome more visitors, support local families and give local businesses more opportunities.
"Albany Airport is an important part of our emergency response network, supporting RFDS operations and firefighting aircraft, so these upgrades will make sure the airport enhances those capabilities as the region grows.
"This investment by our Government will create opportunities for local jobs and businesses and help drive the economic growth of the Great Southern for years to come."
Quotes attributed to Senator for Western Australia Dorinda Cox:
"Albany Airport is a lifeline for the Great Southern, and making sure it can meet the needs of our growing region is really important. These upgrades will mean better facilities, more reliable connections, and an airport that's ready for the future.
"The Albanese and Cook Governments' investment is about backing regional communities with the infrastructure they need to grow. I'm pleased to see this project moving ahead and delivering better connections for people across the Great Southern."
Quotes attributed to WA MLC Samantha Rowe:
"We are one step closer to work getting underway on this exciting project for Albany that will support local families, businesses, visitors and emergency services.
"The Albany Airport plays an important role in supporting local jobs through FIFO charter flights, with these upgrades set to create more opportunities for locals.
"This investment is part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to driving economic growth in our regions and supporting Albany's future as a key strategic hub."
Quotes attributed to City of Albany Mayor Greg Stocks:
"The appointment of Downer Group follows a comprehensive procurement process by the City to secure the best possible outcome for the community.
"This project represents the largest investment in Albany Airport's airfield infrastructure in decades and will help secure the airport's future as a key gateway to the Great Southern.
"The upgrades will strengthen the airport's capacity to support residents, visitors, local businesses and essential services, while creating opportunities for future growth.
"We look forward to this project moving to the construction phase and delivering lasting benefits for Albany and the wider region."
