The McGowan Government has re-allocated $1 million for a 12-month trial of regular flights between Broome and Derby.
A competitive tender to provide Regular Public Transport (RPT) air services between Derby and Broome for a 12-month trial will be released in early December, following early tender advice released today.
The tender will seek airline proposals to undertake the trial with funding support from the State Government.
The State Government previously made an election commitment to provide $1 million in funding to undertake the Perth to Derby trial.
In June 2019, it was announced there were no tender proposals that represented value for money and the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley would continue to investigate alternative options for Derby air services.
Earlier this year, the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley submitted a proposal to the State Government requesting air services between Derby and Broome to be supported by the State. Creating such a service will enable Derby residents and visitors to link with air services provided to Broome.
The McGowan Government is committed to providing affordable airfares in regional Western Australia with more than $21 million committed in the 2020-21 State Budget for the Regional Aviation Recovery Program.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We know how important it is for Derby residents to have access to suitable regional flights and we have been working hard with the local Shire on potential solutions.
"Earlier this year the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley requested we consider reallocating the $1 million, originally committed for a Perth to Derby air route, to be used for trial air services between Derby and Broome instead.
"We've assessed the Shire's proposal and are happy to support a 12-month trial of direct flights between Derby and Broome, with a tender to be released within weeks.
"The proposed new air service will provide connecting options for residents, workers and visitors to the region to get between Derby and Broome, rather than driving. Travellers can then connect onto Broome flights to and from Perth."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"I am very happy that the McGowan Government has committed to this decision to implement a 12-month trial period.
"I know how important access to affordable quality flights are for Kimberley residents.
"This new trial will provide affordable, accessible flights between Broome and Derby, meaning residents will have access to more flights between Broome and Perth, making travel for important appointments, work commitments and to visit family easier.
"The residents of Derby and its surrounds will now be able to relax and enjoy what this service will provide."
