City welcomes strengthened national advocacy
The City of Karratha has welcomed a new agreement between Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) and the Australian Airports Association (AAA) to advocate for fairer airfares, stronger connectivity and more sustainable regional airports.
The Memorandum of Understanding will see the two peak bodies work together to progress shared research and policy priorities at a critical time for regional aviation reform.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said that as a member of RCA, the City supports the strengthened national collaboration.
“We welcome this agreement and look forward to working with RCA and AAA to advocate for fairer outcomes for regional commu
nities,” Mayor Scott said.
“National collaboration strengthens our ability to influence aviation policy.”
For more information visit, https://www.regionalcapitalsaustralia.org/rca-and-aaa-2026-co-pilots-in-the-fight-for-fairer-regional-skies/
Federal inquiries a pivotal opportunity
With a Productivity Commission inquiry and a Senate inquiry now examining regional aviation and airfare pricing, the City will support the RCA and AAA submission and lodge its own submission to ensure the Pilbara’s voice is heard.
“Affordable and reliable air travel is not a luxury for our community – it is essential,” Mayor Scott said.
“These inquiries are a key opportunity to put the Karratha and Pilbara case directly before the policymakers in Canberra and advocate for fairer outcomes.”
Productivity Commission inquiry Determinant of regional airfares: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries-and-research/regional-airfares/
Senate inquiry on the State of Australia’s aviation sector and its ability to deliver reliable and affordable services to rural, regional and remote communities: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/Aviationsector_48
Capped fares scheme extension welcome — but affordability pressures remain
While the extension of the State Government’s Capped Airfare Program is welcome, affordability remains a major concern.
“Flying to and from Karratha remains too expensive, impacting liveability, workforce attraction and connectivity,” Mayor Scott said.
“Our Residents were clear in the annual community survey. Airfares are already too expensive for families to travel to Perth.
“The recent increase to the capped price and ongoing high-demand costs show airfares are still placing pressure on our community.
“We are committed to fighting for our community and will look at ways we can support the State Government to continue to put downward pressure on the cost of flying.”
Continuing push for international status
The City will also continue advocating for Karratha Airport to secure international status to unlock economic growth and strengthen regional connectivity.
“There is a strong national economic case for international status at Karratha Airport,” Mayor Scott said.
“Direct international connectivity would support trade, investment and workforce mobility, delivering long-term benefits for the region and the nation.”
For more information on the airport and the international application, visit https://www.karratha.wa.gov.au/news/karratha-airport-named-large-regional-airport-year-national-awards