Published on Thursday, 1 February 2018 at 12:00:00 AM
The Town of Port Hedland has made a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Airfares and Transport, urging Federal Government action on high regional airfare prices negatively impacting residents in regional Western Australia.
This action reiterates the Town’s September 2017 submission to the WA Government on the same issue.
Last year’s submission to the State Government highlighted the social and economic impacts of high airfare prices on local communities, due in part to airline carriers enjoying a market monopoly, with limited incentive to lower fares to retail customers.
Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco said that the local community expected greater competition and fairness in the retail airline market.
“The social cost of highly priced airfares continues to have a significant impact on our community. From family separation, reduced education options, tourism, employee retention and overall lifestyle – residents in the North West continue to do it tough.
“Local Governments have limited capacity to influence air carrier decisions directly. Therefore we urge the Federal Government to take action and ensure a local airline market which delivers lower costs, more transparency and greater choice.”
Submissions to the enquiry closed on 5 February with a report due to the Senate by 20 September 2018.
For media information:
Laura Hawes, Senior Communications Officer
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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