Dear Editor,

I write regarding the success of the community fare partnership brokered last year between REX airlines and the District Council of Grant.

Your readers may recall that I convened a meeting at my electorate office between the two parties and suggested that a deal be struck similar to that already operating in other regional destinations such as Orange NSW.

A year into the five year deal and we are seeing a definitive turn around in passenger numbers, which can only be attributed to the reduction in cost to passengers as a result of this agreement.

Combined with the $9.2 million airport infrastructure upgrade (for which I secured $3.5 million from the Federal Government), our region is looking forward to new era in air travel and the benefits that come with it, such as increased tourism and business investment.

Staying connected has never been more important, whether it be digitally, by road, rail or in this case by air, it’s vital to the prosperity of Australia’s regional communities. While there is more work to do, the rise in passenger numbers is an incredibly encouraging sign for the whole of the Limestone Coast region.

Tony Pasin MP

Member for Barker

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466