Published on Monday, 2 October 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
A non-binding Memoradum of Understanding (MOU) to fully scope the business case and potential for an inter-regional air service in the Pilbara, in partnership with other local governments, has been endorsed by the Town of Port Hedland Council.
The decision follows a workshop held by the Pilbara Regional Council (PRC) in June 2017, to explore a proposal to link the Pilbara by reducing the need to fly through Perth and integrating new flights from Singapore into Karratha and from Denpasar into Port Hedland.
The proposal, presented by a local north-west proponent, also recommends several connections into Port Hedland with direct connections to Karratha, Broome and Newman and outlines opportunities for new future services tailored for businesses, residents and ratepayers.
Town of Port Hedland, Chief Executive Officer David Pentz, stated that the MOU endorsement enables the Town to join the Pilbara Regional Council and other local governments, to progress the review and analysis of the plan:
“The proposal to connect the Pilbara by air and reduce the need to keep flying back and forth to Perth could provide strong future opportunities from both an economic and tourism perspective.
“The outcome will depend on whether or not the business case stacks up and the demand is there from our community.
“Recent state-wide airfare enquiries and community feedback confirms that businesses, residents and tourists are disadvantaged by the high costs and limited options for travel in the north-west.
“The endorsement of the MOU by Council, will allow us to have a much closer look at the plans, the long-term vision and the commercial viability of the project, before a final business case is presented.
“We look forward to working with the Pilbara Regional Council and other local governments to determine the best outcome for our local community and wider Pilbara region.”
A final draft and business case of the proposed air services will be presented to all member Councils for consideration in the coming months.
For media information:
Laura Hawes, Senior Communications Officer
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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