Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Colin de Grussa MLC has expressed his disappointment that the Geraldton Airport expansion project has been put on hold, with the Federal Government not committing to funding the project.
The expansion is expected to cost $23 million, with the City of Greater Geraldton planning to contribute $6.5 million, and hoping for $10 million from the Federal Government and a further $6.5 million from the State Government.
Mr de Grussa said the airport expansion project had his full support.
“This project will open Geraldton up to an international tourism market, will allow for easier exports and imports directly in to the region and will generate new jobs and boost the local economy” Mr de Grussa said.
“It’s exactly the kind of project Geraldton and regional Western Australia needs during this slow economic phase”.
The City of Greater Geraldton were told that the Federal Government rejected their funding application because they were uncertain whether the State Government would commit to funding.
Applications for the Building Better Regions Fund closed just prior to the State Election, creating uncertainty of the State Government’s financial contribution to the project.
Mr de Grussa said he has written to the Federal Ministers for Regional Development and Infrastructure, asking for more clarification around the funding application.
“I will continue to lobby both the State and Federal Governments to provide the funding this project needs to take off,” Mr de Grussa said.
The City of Greater Geraldton intend to apply for the next round of BBRF later this year.
