Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is very pleased by the announcement this morning that Rex Airlines will continue services in Coober Pedy, Ceduna, Whyalla and Port Lincoln with the support of the Government’s $298 million regional airline package.
Mr Ramsey said following the recent announcement by Rex that services would be reduced or suspended to regional centres in Grey, the Government’s funding has provided vital support to regional communities which rely on air services for urgent transport, medical supplies and personnel.
“The Federal Government has been focused on securing a regional aviation network during the pandemic so residents can access their capital cities for essential services and medical freight supplies,” Mr Ramsey said.
“I am pleased Rex will provide two Commonwealth funded weekly return services in Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Coober Pedy. Additionally the State will provide support to fund an extra service per week to Coober Pedy.
“The fight against the Coronavirus is putting strains on many parts of our ecomomy and our lives. However the Government is determined to ensure communities can continue to operate safely and that as many businesses as possible are redy to spring back into action as soon as we can lift the restrictions.
“In recent weeks the Federal Government has committed more than $1 billion to the aviation sector in response to the pandemic and will continue to support regional aviation businesses and workers during this difficult time.”
In a move to support embattled regional airlines, the federal government has waived all fuel excise, air service charges and regional aviation security charges for regional air services backdated to February 1, 2020.
Airlines also have access to the JobKeeper wage subsidy providing $1500 a fortnight per employee.
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 0417827523 April 28 2020
