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Canberra Today 16°/18° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Labor promise more cash to lure airlines to Canberra

andrew barr in a micro light

ANDREW Barr says a re-elected ACT Labor government will establish a new fund to attract more airline services to Canberra, adding more international destinations or low cost options.

“Building on the successful co-operative marketing model we have used with Singapore Airlines, who began the capital’s first international flights this week, we will create new incentives for more air services for Canberra,” Andrew said.

“It was an ACT Labor Government that delivered the first direct international flight into Canberra, which began earlier this week offering Canberrans the opportunity to fly directly to Singapore and New Zealand, delivering on a 2012 election commitment.

“It was also an ACT Labor Government that attracted a low-cost carrier to fly from Canberra Airport, with TigerAir formally agreeing to fly between Canberra and Melbourne starting later this year.

“This new plan will see $770,000 allocated to the Airline Partnership Fund, which will be available through an agreement between the ACT Government and the airline, to market and promote new or expanded flights. This is similar to the agreements the ACT Labor Government made between Singapore Airlines and TigerAir. Partnership funding will be open to existing or new low cost domestic carriers and international carriers.

“ACT Labor also wants to ensure the Territory takes advantage of the improved connectivity to and from our city. A re-elected ACT Labor government will deliver increased funding for the Canberra Convention Bureau – which is designed to boost our business tourism. This funding will allow the Bureau to attract more conventions to the National Convention Centre, which received a $5.3 million upgrade in the 2015-16 ACT Budget, as well as other hotels and events spaces in the National Capital.

“We have a solid track record on delivering for Canberrans by securing better services to and from our city. ACT Labor understands that better connectivity between Canberra and the rest of Australia and the world is a significant boost for local businesses. It also ensures that Canberra remains the most liveable city in the world.

“This funding will support further growth for employers in our export industry and our tourism industry – both of which are already set to benefit from the agreements ACT Labor has reached for services to Singapore, New Zealand and a low cost option to Melbourne.”

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Ian Meikle, editor

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