TOURISM — KUNUNURRA–MELBOURNE
DIRECT FLIGHTS
691. Hon COLIN HOLT to the minister representing the
Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the announcement of
direct flights between Kununurra and Melbourne starting from May 2020.
(1) What role did the state
government play in helping to establish the new direct flights?
(2) Is the state government
financially underwriting the direct flights in any way?
(3) If yes to (2), what contribution
is the state government making and over what time period?
(4) For how long is the trial
expected to run?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for that
question. The following information has been provided to me by the Minister for
Tourism. If the member has subsequent questions to me directly, I am happy to
answer those as well.
(1) Since 2015,
Tourism Western Australia has worked with the East Kimberley Marketing Group to
explore the potential for direct airline capacity between Melbourne and
Kununurra, providing research and development support. Tourism Western Australia
committed to undertake a marketing campaign to promote tourism attractions in
and around Kununurra to the Victorian market in support of the flights.
(2)–(3) I am advised by the Minister for Regional
Development that the state government commitment is a one-off
risk-sharing contribution to secure the trial service. The Minister for
Regional Development approved $100 000 of state funds, matched by at least $300
000 from the business community and local government, towards the trial.
(4) It is expected to run from May
to August 2020.