- Busselton still in the running for second site of Qantas Pilot Academy
- McGowan Government to invest another $1.7 million to support the bid for the academy in Busselton
The McGowan Government has welcomed Qantas' announcement today that Busselton remains shortlisted as a site for the second Qantas Pilot Academy.
To help support the City of Busselton's bid for the academy, the McGowan Government will provide up to $1.7 million for facilities associated with an academy.
This is on top of the commitment the McGowan Government has made to push the button on construction of the new terminal at the Busselton-Margaret River Airport if Busselton is selected, making available the existing terminal for use by the academy.
Locating the second pilot academy in Busselton would be a major boost for the South-West, creating new job opportunities and a whole new industry for the region.
Busselton has significant advantages in terms of climate, time zone, space and existing infrastructure supportive industries.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We are pleased to learn that Busselton is still in the running for the second Qantas pilot academy.
"As a new incentive to bring this exciting project to WA, we're putting an extra $1.7 million on the table for use on facilities for a new academy.
"Our commitment also stands to immediately begin construction on the new airport terminal if Busselton is chosen, freeing up the existing terminal.
"We are continuing to work closely with the City of Busselton and other South-West local governments to give the region the best possible shot at securing the second academy site."
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"The McGowan Government is eager to strengthen our already successful partnership with Qantas while creating local jobs.
"We hope this further investment coupled with Western Australia's clear strengths in terms of location, weather, abundance of space and existing infrastructure - will further encourage Qantas to consider Busselton as its second training site.
"The Government has been working hard to position Perth as the western gateway to Australia, Asia and beyond - and a pilot training school in our South-West would be a strong step forward for WA as an aviation transport hub."
