Pilbara locals have their say in flight survey

Locals in the Pilbara will have their say on the exorbitant price of regional airfare services with a State survey to determine what more needs to be done to increase connectivity to the regions whilst reducing costs.

Invitations will be posted to more than 40,000 regional WA households to take part in a survey about air travel within the State.

A total of 21 country town’s will be involves including the Pilbara communities of Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, Onslow and Paraburdoo as well as those in the Kimberley.

Those who complete the survey will enter a draw and be eligible for a share of $1500 in prizes.

It comes as the WA Government commit to a two-zone airfare cap, which would allow the cost of flights to and from Perth capped at $199 each way for those living within 1000km of Perth and $299 for those further away.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she hoped the insights would inform the State to allow more people to travel and see family and friends.

“We also know how important accessible and affordable flights are for regional communities who may need quick access to flights for medical or business appointments - so it’s important they have the right level of regional flights available,” she said.

“We have worked with airlines and the resources industry to introduce new, lower cost flight options from Perth to Port Hedland, Newman, Onslow and Kalgoorlie, as well as introducing a new subsidised 12-month trial of flights from Broome to Derby that will begin next month.

“It’s vital we know what’s important to regional Western Australians when it comes to regional flights so we can put the right initiatives in place to improve air travel within WA.”

She said the State was also finalising a new service agreement with Rex for return flights to Esperance and Monkey Mia to pre-pandemic schedules.