Date: Tuesday, 25 July 2006
No. of pages: 1
Good faith gesture to break deadlock
To pave the way for negotiations and as a gesture of good faith Westralia Airports
Corporation, the operator of Perth Airport, has paid full rates to the City of Belmont for
2005/06.
Perth Airport General Manager Property, Neil Kidd said the payment is an attempt to break
the deadlock and seek an amicable conclusion to the dispute between Perth Airport and the
City of Belmont.
The payment follows a letter from the Department of Transport and Regional Services
(DOTARS), dated 20 July 2006 addressed to the City’s CEO Dr Shayne Silcox, calling upon
the City of Belmont to reconsider its policy of not providing services to the airport.
“As the city’s biggest rates payer we have been involved in a protracted stand-off with the
City over its demand for full rates, despite it not providing any services to the airport.” Mr
Kidd said.
“This payment does not alter our position that the City’s refusal to provide any services to the
airport is unfair and inequitable to our tenants.”
“Whilst ratepayers across the road receive services from the City, Perth Airport tenants have
been required to pay for those same services out of their own pocket.”
“We have invited the City to provide these services in exchange for Perth Airport paying full
rates, but they have refused. In fact, since 1997 Perth Airport has paid over $9.8 million in
rates equivalent payments and has received nothing.”
Mr Kidd said ensuring the community was not impacted by a short-fall in council funding was
also key in Perth Airport’s decision to make the extra payment this year and the company
was looking forward to the City’s favourable response to the request from DOTARS.
- Ends MEDIA CONTACT:
Lucia Mondi
Corporate Communications
Perth Airport (Westralia Airports Corporation)
Telephone: 9478 8474
Mobile: 0404 491 739
Westralia Airports Corporation Pty Ltd A.C.N 077 153 130 A.B.N 24 077 153 130
Baker Road (opposite Domestic Terminal) Perth Airport PO Box 6 Cloverdale Western Australia 6985
Telephone: +61 8 9478 8888 Fax: +61 8 9277 7537 E-Mail: perthairport@wac.com.au Web Site: www.perthairport.com