SUNRAYSIA residents will be eligible for two $100 return-flight tickets to Melbourne if the Coalition wins government at the state election in November.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy has announced that a Liberal and National government would launch a $23 million trial “cap” on return air fares to Melbourne from Mildura.
People living within 150km of Mildura would be eligible for two $100 return flights to the capital over the next two years.
The Coalition says regional areas on the border, such as Mildura, struggled during lockdowns, with local tourism plummeting around 30 per cent from its annual value of $550 million as a result.
If successful, the Liberals and Nationals planned to extend the capped flights trial further.
Mr Guy said the trial meant Mildura residents would have options for travel to Melbourne.
“Part of Mildura’s beauty is its isolation, but that can come at a hefty price for those looking to get to Melbourne with return flights often costing more than $400,” he said.
“Our plan will make it easier and cheaper for locals to get to and from home, ensuring time spent with friends and family, or important appointments, aren’t missed.”
Mr Guy said capping return flights was a real solution to combat the growing cost of living and transport.
“Mildura locals have called for flight subsidies for some time, and we’ll deliver it,” he said.
“We are about making it easier for people from Mildura to travel.”
Liberal candidate for Mildura Paul Matheson said the subsidies would make flights affordable.
He said it would allow Victorians to spend within Victoria, while combating Sunraysia’s isolation.
“The cost of living is going through the roof, so here is a way that we can stimulate the economy and help people out,” he said.
Nationals leader Peter Walsh said Mildura had been neglected when it come to transport options and the capped flights trial was a “real alternative to passenger rail”.
“(Passenger rail) can’t be considered until the botched Murray Basin Rail Project has been completed,” he said.
“The Liberals and Nationals have already committed the necessary $5 million to complete a business case for the Murray Basin Rail Project, something Labor refuses to match.
