South West to Goldfields link on the cards with discussions begin on direct Kalgoorlie to Busselton flights

The South West could soon open up to the Goldfields as discussions begin on the possibility of direct flights between the two regions. In a report tabled at the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s council meeting last week, Busselton was identified as a potential intrastate route for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport. The report said discussions between Busselton Margaret River Airport and Tourism WA had been ongoing, with plans to conduct viability studies before exploring market options. City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said the route could benefit both regions, for mining and tourism in the two local government areas. “We’re all members of the regional capital alliance in WA and through that we explore some of the opportunities,” he said. “A lot of people in the South West who participate in the resource industry work in the Goldfields so there’s that opportunity to expand for that ... as we do with other resource industries in the Pilbara. “From the tourism side of things, we’re sure people in the Goldfields would welcome a pathway directly into the South West ... and vice versa.” “Currently we’ve seen the support by both Jetstar and Tourism WA to expand our services interstate to Melbourne which will commence as soon as it’s safe to do so, in the interim we’re also looking at options for expansions intrastate. “We don’t just stop and wait for things to happen, we are always engaged and proactive and explore every options available for our airport.” City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor John Bowler was less optimistic, saying it was unlikely to be viable and would need incentives to take off with success. “I wouldn’t ever stand in its way and would support it,” he said. “There’s no reason why you’d try and stop it, but if it happens... you’re probably going to get the lotto numbers in advance.” The discussion revelation comes as Busselton once again saw it’s direct flights to Melbourne pushed back as the COVID-19 pandemic explodes in the eastern states. The flights, originally set to take off in March 2020, have been rescheduled seven times with the launch now pencilled in for November at the time of print.