Published on Monday, 9 March 2020 at 3:02:00 PM
In the hope that flying in and out of Geraldton will become more accessible and affordable, the City of Greater Geraldton and the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MWCCI) are lobbying Qantas for a better deal.
An Air Access Stakeholder Group made up of representatives from the City, MWCCI and Scott Cogar from Broadwater Hospitality Group, held a meeting with Qantas, Tourism WA and the Department of Transport to workshop solutions to reduce the cost of flights for residents and visitors, and to increase frequency and connectivity.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was critical for flight services to change in order to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Midwest.
“As a regional capital, Geraldton is continuing to cement itself a destination of choice - but we need to have realistic options for people to fly in and out of Geraldton,” he said.
“We’re hoping to see some more movement in cheaper airfares, more joint promotional opportunities and also a possible trial linking Geraldton to ports in the north of the state.
“As we own and operate the Geraldton Airport, the City is seeking tangible returns on the recent large-scale investment in the airport runway extension and we are taking the lead on pushing this case.”
The Air Access Group is sending correspondence to the Department of Transport, Tourism WA, Qantas and relevant Ministers with its consensus view of key priorities as critical next steps underpinned by an aviation survey conducted by MWCCI last year.
MWCCI CEO Joanne Fabling said outcomes from the survey would have an impact on economic development in the region.
“To be able to attract investment into the Midwest and provide existing businesses and tourists a facility to be able to connect more easily into the northern ports via air travel at an affordable price is vital for our economic development,” she said.
In order to provide further detail of the communities’ air travel requirements, the City and MWCCI are seeking input through a recently released survey.
As a sweetener, Qantas are giving participants the chance to win a $500 Qantas travel voucher by simply filling out the short survey and providing their details.
“I’d encourage everyone who lives in the Midwest to take the survey,” Mayor Van Styn added.
“The results from this will help to build our case for the community’s air travel needs.”
The survey will close at 4pm on Friday 13 March 2020. Click here to complete the survey or pick up a hard copy at the Civic Centre.
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