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Minister signs off $2.4b Perth airport planAAP November 2, 2009, 2:04 pm Send

A multi-billion dollar plan to improve Perth’s airport facilities, including merging the domestic and international airports, has been approved by the federal government.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said he had approved the airport’s master plan which sets out a 10-year, $2.4 billion investment program in response to Perth’s growing need for modern, well-planned aviation infrastructure.

The plan includes the phased relocation of all regular passenger services to the international airport site.

“In addition, the commonwealth and state governments are working together to identify how road and public transport links to and from the airport can be improved,” Mr Albanese said on Monday.

A $3.5 million study to identify road and public transport links will be finished next year.

The airport operators would have to take a number of steps to improve the way it engaged with nearby communities and responded to their concerns, Mr Albanese said.

“In future, residents must be informed and consulted about all major changes to the airport’s operations and significant construction projects,” he said.

“This communication should involve direct mail, community leaflets, briefing to local councils, improved website information and provision of contact details for public inquiries.”

The main runway of the airport will be resurfaced early next year during a seven-week period.

Mr Albanese said Airservices Australia should ensure Perth residents were fully aware of temporary flight changes during the resurfacing.