Published on Thursday, 1 October 2015 at 12:00:00 AM
Member for Pilbara Brendon Grylls MLA has launched a new survey campaign gauging public demand for connecting regional communities by air within northern WA, as well as interstate and international connections.
The regional air route connectivity survey also aims to identify tourism opportunities, future business growth and accessibility to education and regional services at 15 participating airports covering 11 local government areas.
Mr Grylls said gauging travellers’ intentions for using air service connections at major regional destinations such as Karratha – to travel locally, interstate or abroad - could help shape the future of the aviation industry in regional WA.
“There is a strong case for introducing a more inclusive hub-and-spoke model of air travel across the North West and Mid West to increase regional connectivity and ease the air traffic burden on Perth,” he said. “I encourage community members to take the survey, which will help provide data for airlines to consider in regard to connecting airports in the mid and north west of WA.
“Ultimately more connections through a better network will make our towns and regional cities more affordable to access by air.”
Survey development was coordinated by Shire of Exmouth Executive Manager Aviation Services Jenny Kox after discussions held on air route connectivity at the North West Australian Airports Forum in July. Ms Kox said there were limited direct connections between airports in the region.
“The survey provides the community the opportunity to comment on potential domestic and international air routes outside of Perth they would like considered,” she said.
There is a survey for each airport involved in the campaign, which is running over six weeks. They include Broome, Carnarvon, Derby, Exmouth, Fitzroy Crossing, Geraldton, Halls Creek, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Onslow, Pannawonica, Paraburdoo, Port Hedland and Shark Bay.
Online links to the surveys for each airport within the Shire of Ashburton are available below.
For media enquiries please contact Brendon Grylls MLA on 9144 4113 or email [email protected]
Onslow survey
Paraburdoo Survey
Pannawonica Survey
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