One of Australia’s most recent airports to achieve international capacity is on the hunt for investors and developers to help it create a new chapter for the region.
The $70-million redevelopment of the Busselton Margaret River Airport to international standard is paving the way for major tourism opportunities and economic growth in Western Australia’s south-west.
City of Busselton commercial and corporate services director Naomi Searle said there were seven general aviation lots plus 15ha of greenfield land available for development.
“This is an incredible opportunity to capitalise on the growing use of Busselton Margaret River Airport by regular passenger transport and charter jet services, emergency services and general aviation,” Searle said.
“With extensive aviation infrastructure upgrades complete, now is the time to make your mark in one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most-liveable regions.
“The lifestyle here is amazing, the workforce is strong, and the site is government supported and shovel ready.”
Billed as the “events capital of Western Australia”, Busselton has a population of more than 40,000 with a forecast growth rate of 41 per cent to 2026. It recorded a 68 per cent rise in economic growth during 2020-21.
The region is visited by 2.3 million people per annum.
The airport is close to the internationally renowned Margaret River and Geographe wine regions, tourism attractions including the 1.8km Busselton Jetty, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, as well as natural attractions including Boranup Forest and the Cape-to-Cape Track.
The Busselton Margaret River Airport Commercial and Industrial precinct is less than 7km from the city centre, 30 minutes from Dunsborough, a 45-minute drive to Margaret River and 220km from Perth.
Outside of its attraction to domestic and international visitors, the airport is strategically important to rural WA, providing direct access to major road networks in the south-west.
Within the airport precinct, commercial and industrial land has been earmarked to become a freight and logistics warehousing hub servicing the south-west, including the export of its world-famous produce.
“We expect leases to be suitable for businesses involved in freight, logistics, warehousing or other aviation-related industries,” Searle said.
The airport development, completed last year, widened the airport’s runway—up to 2520m long and 45m wide—allowing the use of narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 737, Airbus 320 and Airbus 330.
Four new apron parking bays and connecting taxiways have also been constructed, along with two helipads, a new terminal building capable of accommodating expanded operations and services, a 422-bay car park and a new general aviation precinct with 36 individual hangar sites.
Jetstar will soon commence flying directly between Busselton and Melbourne. Future flight paths include Sydney, Denpasar, Singapore and China—all possible with the current infrastructure.
“There’s never been a better time to invest in this region,” Searle said.
Investors and developers are invited to submit requests for proposals for the precinct. Click here to learn more.
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