Media Statements - Airport issues are Federal - State infrastructure priority

19/1/08

The Rudd Labor Government’s new approach to Federal-State relations could be the key to solving Perth’s airport woes.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said that sorting out airport related issues would be a priority when she met Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese this weekend.

“Western Australia’s major airport could offer a much better experience to travellers, other users and to surrounding communities, but Federal and State Governments will need to work together to make this happen,” Ms MacTiernan said.

The Minister said that issues to be discussed included:

future development of Perth Airport, including collocation of domestic and international terminals;
passenger transport links with the CBD;
integrating airport planning with surrounding land use and transport; and
improving road access to the airport and to commercial and industrial activity on airport land, including Great Eastern Highway and Leach Highway/Tonkin Highway.

“Mr Albanese is very open to addressing these issues co-operatively, which is a refreshing change from the attitude of previous Federal Ministers,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“While the State Government has responsibility for links into the airport, it has no say in what happens on airport land.

“I’ll be meeting Mr Albanese at the airport and taking him for a drive around the area so that he can see the opportunities for improvement first hand.”

Minister's Office - 9213 6400