The Qantas Group has announced Toowoomba in Queensland as the first of two regional locations for its new pilot academy, due to open its doors by mid-2019.
Toowoomba was one of nine regional locations in Australia shortlisted for an academy which also includes Busselton, Alice Springs, Bendigo, Dubbo, Launceston, Mackay, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
Wagner Corporation, which own the airport, will invest the majority of funding to construct infrastructure at the academy which is estimated to cost $35 million.
The academy is part of the Qantas Groups strategy to build a long-term talent pipeline for its own airlines and help the broader industry meet the increasing need for skilled aviators.
Qantas Group chief executive officer Alan Joyce said in partnership with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation, they would build state-of-the-art training facilities and student accommodation.
Following the announcement, the WA Government announced it would provide $1.7 million to help support the City of Busselton bid for the second academy.
If the city are successful, the state government have also promised to complete a new terminal at the Busselton Margaret River Airport, which they stopped construction on because an airline was not yet secured.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said the city, in association with the state government, would take the opportunity to refine and strengthen its proposal to Qantas.
Mr Henley said now they had confirmation the academy seeks to train 250 pilots, the city had a clearer understanding of how it could meet the training, accommodation and infrastructure needs.
“Obviously securing the second Qantas academy here in Busselton would be a fabulous outcome for the city and stakeholders across the broader region,” he said.
Regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan said they were working closely with the city and other South West local governments to give the region the best possible shot at securing the academy site.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said it was positive there was finally some acknowledgement by the state government about the value Qantas and others have in the Busselton Margaret River Airport.
However, Ms Mettam questioned why the state government waited until the first announcement was made before showing any measure of support for the project.
South West MLC Steve Thomas said if Busselton was unsuccessful in its bid then it was essential the state government, city, industries and businesses in the region worked together to see the airport project succeed.
Mr Thomas said all parties needed to come up with a plan B because the region could not afford to stall the project.
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