Perth Airport’s much anticipated new domestic terminal was officially opened by Minister for Defence and Federal Member for Perth, Stephen Smith, today.
Representing Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, at the opening Mr Smith said today’s opening is significant, given Perth Airport is a key driver of the Western Australian economy.
“Perth is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and its passenger numbers are growing to match an ever expanding population,” Mr Smith said.
“In the last year alone, passenger numbers at Perth Airport reached the highest number on record, climbing to 12.6 million".
“The $120 million domestic terminal is the first new terminal to be constructed at Perth Airport in 26 years and will support this growth and that of the resources sector which is so important to Western Australia.”
Mr Albanese said the new terminal will speed up passenger movements for regional travellers as well as the estimated one million fly-in fly-out workers who are expected use the terminal in the first year.
“In approving this vital development, the Federal Labor Government recognised the importance of Perth Airport to the people of Western Australia, to the State, and to the national economy,” Mr Albanese said.
“We also recognise the need to invest in the surrounding land transport links to support future growth in Western Australia. As aviation demand grows, so does the need for better road and rail links connecting to our airports.
“Our $686 million investment in the Gateway WA will vastly improve movement around the airport and the surrounding industrial precinct.”
The Federal Labor Government will continue to support and facilitate aviation infrastructure planning and investment in Western Australia – part of our commitment to renewing, upgrading, modernising and building the nation’s infrastructure.