Regional airline welcomes tourism support but not everyone is convinced

The Federal Government’s aviation support package has been labelled a “missed opportunity” by the Pilbara’s peak tourism body but a regional airline operating in the area says it is “largely positive”. On Thursday the Commonwealth announced it would fund 800,000 reduced-price airfares to drive tourism in regional areas — but Broome was the only West Australian destination to benefit. The Government also extended loan support for small and medium enterprises and extended the regional airline network support program — which sees regional flight routes underwritten. Aviair managing director Michael McConachy said the extension of the RANS program was a key part of the announcement that had been overlooked. “I think the thing that is probably being misunderstood about this is that the Government has supported interstate services,” he said. “I think that the one key location that has missed out of it is Perth and I am hoping that the Government will add that in ... I think it is important that Perth is included on the list and then there can be dispersal from Perth into the regions.” Mr McConachy said JobKeeper had been essential to Aviair staying afloat during the pandemic but he understood it couldn’t go on forever. Pilbara Tourism Association chairman Barry Harrison said the latest package was a missed opportunity. “Our members were ... growing their businesses beautifully pre-COVID. When COVID hit that has destroyed (them) and sent a few of our operators to the wall,” he said. “There is a few we’ve lost that won’t come back and we are concerned that with the JobKeeper finishing shortly it is going to put more pressure on those that are currently receiving the JobKeeper payments.” According to Australian Taxation Office data more than 160 businesses across the Pilbara are still accessing the JobKeeper payment. On Friday Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said the Government’s package was developed in conjunction with the tourism industry. He said as travellers return to the selected routes the Government will look at adding more locations to the list. Adelaide and Darwin have already been added to the original list of 13 locations to benefit from discounted airfares.