Transport Minister Troy Buswell has announced a shakeup for Western Australia's regional skies, with competition introduced on two popular routes, from Perth to Exmouth and Perth to Geraldton.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell has announced a shakeup for Western Australia's regional skies, with competition introduced on two popular regional routes, from Perth to Geraldton and Exmouth.
Mr Buswell's announcement follows a review of intrastate air services and two request for proposal processes undertaken to provide services to 14 regional areas.
Mr Buswell said the biggest change to regional air services was the opening of the Perth to Geraldton route to competition.
Under the new regulations, Skywest Airlines will operate flights from Perth to Albany, Esperance and Exmouth, while Skippers Aviation will service Mt Magnet, Meekatharra, Laverton, Leonora, Wiluna, Leinster, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia and Kalbarri.
The Perth to Exmouth route has also been opened up to QantasLink, after it and Skywest agreed to operate in competition with one another.
Skywest will also provide two flights each week for Busselton, as a stopover on its Perth to Albany route.
Golden Eagle Airlines will service the subsidised Kimberley service providing flights from Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek.
"Under the new arrangements a link to Derby will be added to the Kimberley network, which will provide valuable connections for local communities and give access to the regional hospital, local government and cultural centres," Mr Buswell said.
"Kimberley passengers will benefit from Golden Eagle's planned introduction of an aircraft that is pressurised, powered by turboprop engines, and bigger, faster and more comfortable than the current aircraft."
The new system will operate for five years, with a possible extension of five more, subject to review.
The state opposition has raised concerns with the plan, saying the Barnett government must guarantee its changes will lead to cheaper air fares and better services.
Opposition spokesperson for transport Ken Travers said the government had failed to explain how regional towns will be better off under the new system.
""The Barnett government's changes are a mish-mash of regulated, partly-regulated and deregulated air routes across WA," he said.
"There are concerns that these changes will bring out the worst elements of both a regulated and deregulated market.
"The process has been a complete disaster with airlines having to guess what the final structure for regional air services will be.
"Regional towns will be left wondering whether the State Government has got them the best possible deal due to all of the confusion that has surrounded this process."
Mr Travers said as a result of smaller aircraft servicing Monkey Mia, Kalbarri and Carnarvon, international connections may be lost.
"This will be a major disaster for some of the State's premier tourism destinations," he said.
"Failed former Minister Simon O'Brien promised the Government would '...not accept any proposal which does not provide greater services for all West Australians'.
"Transport Minister Troy Buswell must guarantee that all affected ports will see an improvement in services over the five years of the new arrangements."