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Swan Valley, Gingin targets for second Perth airport

Flight path: The Swan Valley and Gingin are possible sites for a second Perth airport. Picture: Megan Powell/The West Australian

The State Government is considering putting Perth's second airport in the Swan Valley or Gingin.

Planning Minister John Day has confirmed to Parliament that Royal Australian Air Force bases in Bullsbrook and Gingin are being examined as part of the Government's selection of a future airport site.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder announced a year ago that the search had begun for a second airport to service Perth when its population exceeded four million, 30 years into the future.

The announcement sparked speculation about possible sites.

While Bullsbrook's RAAF Base Pearce was mooted, the Defence Department was understood to be cool on the idea and a southern Perth option was considered more likely.

But in answers to questions from Labor frontbencher Bill Johnston, Mr Day revealed not only was RAAF Base Pearce being examined but so was RAAF Base Gingin, 35km to the north.

Asked which metropolitan locations were being excluded from the planning process, Mr Day listed only sensitive wetlands and national parks. Aviation uses, airspace and air navigation considerations would be included in the selection criteria.

Aircraft noise in the Swan Valley is steeped in politics.

Former Liberal transport minister Troy Buswell lampooned Mr Johnston in October 2012 when he suggested moving fly-in, fly-out operations to RAAF Pearce as an alternative to building a third runway at Perth Airport.

The Liberal Party made it a 2013 election issue, telling Swan Hills and West Swan voters "a vote for Labor is a vote for a massive increase in aircraft noise throughout the Swan Valley".

Showcase Swan Valley chairman Laurie Ziatas opposed the region being "sandwiched between two airports".

"Agribusiness, including viticulture, and tourism in the Swan Valley would be negatively affected by the siting of Perth's second airport at RAAF Base Pearce or RAAF Base Gingin," he said.

Mr Johnston said it was embarrassing that the Liberal Party had slammed moving FIFO flights to Pearce when it was considering putting an entire commercial airport there.

Federal Transport Minister Warren Truss' office said yesterday that it had not been informed by the State Government of any such proposal for RAAF Pearce.