Bendigo’s visitor economy is set for a major boost, with regular Qantas passenger flights taking off between the regional city and Sydney.
Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan represented the Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes this morning to celebrate the inaugural QF1408 passenger flight departing Bendigo at 7.40am. The Q300 turboprop aircraft had landed last night carrying passengers from Sydney.
The six-day a week service is expected to attract an additional 14,560 inbound visitors to Bendigo each year, helping to create 25 new local jobs and inject an additional $2.8 million into the thriving regional economy in its first year of operation alone.
The new QantasLink service was made possible by the Victorian Government’s $5 million upgrade of Bendigo Airport.
The redevelopment included an extended and widened runway – a critical step towards securing the QantasLink passenger service.
To support the new service, the Victorian Government is also boosting passenger facilities and supporting a marketing campaign to promote the new service and everything the Greater Bendigo region has to offer.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“This is an exciting day for the Bendigo region, made possible by the Victorian Government’s investment in upgrading Bendigo Airport.
“These regular QantasLink flights will bring in thousands of extra visitors, which is good news for jobs, businesses and Central Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan
“It is fantastic to see Bendigo connected to regular flights to Sydney, this is a win for tourism and the regional economy and a vote of confidence in everything Bendigo has to offer.”