North-West Minister Ernie Bridge has written to the Federal Government protesting at the proposed closure of air traffic control services in the Pilbara.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has recently released its final cost and safety assessment reports on the Karratha and Port Hedland Air Traffic Control Towers.
"It appears to be a further example of the demise of regional services in the name of efficiency and viability," Mr Bridge said.
"It is putting country people at a disadvantage because some Canberra-based bureaucrat says the service cannot continue because it is not economically justifiable.
"It is cost cutting at its worst, without full consideration of the effect on the future status of airports in country regions, or the community service obligations that exist at all levels of government.
"As air-charter and light aircraft are essential in remote areas, the changes not only will cause great inconvenience, but have major implications for emergency services."
Mr Bridge said there had been four occasions in the last six months when the control tower at Port Hedland played a crucial role in the co-ordination of emergency services and procedures.
"Surely this is ample proof why the operation of air traffic control at regional level is so vital," Mr Bridge said.
"The Federal Government has an obligation to ensure that some of the monies generated within these regions are returned to them via funding for essential services."
