By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A bi-partisan election promise to give Avalon Airport regional status will open the international skies, according to airport chief Justin Giddings.
Both Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten this week promised to reclassify Avalon as a stand-alone regional airport.
The Geelong Indy revealed five weeks ago that the airport’s classification as a metropolitan facility – the same as Melbourne Airport – had foiled all attempts to secure an international carrier.
Airports such as Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns and Darwin are all classified as regional gateways.
The Federal Government offers incentives to international airlines through the Regional Air Access Package.
Mr Giddings said the move opened up the opportunity to attract airlines from places like Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Fiji and other countries.
“Previously we were restricted by bilateral arrangements but this really provides an open sky for the airport,” he said.
Avalon has been grounded by the bureaucratic red tape since 2008 when the first international passenger deal with Air Asia X was scuppered by the then Rudd Labor Government.
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson told a Geelong Business Network breakfast election debate this week that the rejection “sent shockwaves through the entire airline industry”.
During a flying visit to Geelong on Thursday Mr Turnbull said he would “remove red tape” to enable Avalon Airport to reach its potential as an international airport, opening up new tourism and export opportunities.
“Regional Australia is critical to Australia’s prosperity, accounting for around 65 per cent of Australia’s export earnings and 45 cents in every tourism dollar,” Mr Turnbull said.
“And Avalon Airport is central to the economy of Geelong and Corangamite, bringing millions of dollars in visitor spending to the region.
“By removing unnecessary restrictions on air services access we will help Avalon Airport reach its potential and attract an international carrier.
“The Coalition will support the development of an international passenger terminal should an international carrier be secured.”
Mr Turnbull also announced a $20 million Jobs and Investment Package for Geelong, but would not reveal specific projects until the Coalition was returned to government.
“The Jobs and Investment Package is designed to leverage opportunities from remarkable tourist attractions including the Great Ocean Road,” he said.
Corio MP Richard Marles said designating Avalon Airport as a regional airport would unlock jobs growth and boost the region’s tourism potential.
He said Avalon would benefit in the same way that Gold Coast Airport benefited from not being treated as an adjunct to Brisbane Airport.
“Avalon Airport has substantial opportunity to grow through the application of this mechanism, consistent with the recommendations of the Aviation White Paper commissioned by the former Labor Federal Government,” Mr Marles said.
