The Andrews Labor Government has helped secure a historic Qantas service between Bendigo and Sydney.
Treasurer Tim Pallas, Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards were at Bendigo Airport today for the inaugural touchdown of the Q300 turboprop aircraft.
The return service will operate six days a week and attract up to 14,560 inbound visitors to the thriving regional centre each year – that’s more jobs for locals, more opportunities for Bendigo businesses and a big win for tourism.
The Labor Government’s $5 million upgrade of Bendigo Airport has helped make the landmark Qantas service a reality.
The redevelopment included an extended and widened runway – a critical step towards securing the QantasLink passenger service.
The Labor Government is also boosting passenger facilities and getting behind a marketing campaign to promote the new service and everything the Greater Bendigo region has to offer.
The flagship service will create 25 new local jobs and inject an additional $2.8 million into the regional economy in its first year of operation alone.
Bendigo is one of regional Victoria’s most popular destinations, attracting visitors from all over Victoria and Australia – and regular passenger flights to and from Sydney will grow visitation even further.
In the year ending June 2018, interstate visitors poured 20 per cent more into regional Victoria’s economy than the previous 12 months, taking total spending to $1.5 billion.
The service will begin in March.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“This landmark deal will create local jobs, boost tourism and create enormous opportunities for local businesses in Bendigo.”
“The new service will attract nearly 15,000 visitors to Bendigo each year – that’s great news for local cafes, motels, restaurants and the Bendigo economy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We’ve proudly completed a major upgrade of Bendigo Airport to help secure this service. It’s a win for tourism, a win for jobs and a win for the local economy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This is a historic day for Bendigo. It’s a big vote of confidence in everything Bendigo has to offer and proof there’s no place in regional Victoria quite like it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020