Busselton still in mix for Qantas academy

The state government remains hopeful Busselton can become the second site for a Qantas pilot academy, pledging up to $1.7 million and formally committing to a new $13 million terminal if the South West town is chosen.

The funding announcement comes after Toowoomba in Queensland was selected as the first location for a $35 million facility.

The new centre will have an initial intake of 100 people and a capacity for 250 pilots being trained every year, as the airline seeks to meet increasing demand for commercial pilots.

Busselton is part of the shortlist and remains in the running for the second site, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the government would push the button on construction of the new terminal at the Busselton-Margaret River Airport if Busselton were selected, making the existing terminal available for use by the academy.

State government funding for the $13 million terminal had previously been put on hold until a deal was signed with a major airline to become a regular user of the airport.

Ms MacTiernan said the government would also provide up to$ 1.7 million for facilities associated with an academy.

“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,” she said.

In June, the City of Busselton received conditional approval from the Environmental Protection Authority for expanded operations as part of a $70 million upgrade of the airport.

The EPA has recommended a maximum of five flights per week between the hours of 11pm and 6am.

The city had originally sought 24-hour flight operations, but had revised its proposal to five flights per week between 12am and 6am.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson will make the final decision on the proposal, with no timeline on when that will be made.