A PROPOSED community scheme to sweep in cheaper airfares at Mount Gambier Airport is likely to get off the ground following Grant District Council elected members backing the proposal.
Elected members pored over the proposal behind closed doors on Monday night in a move to propel the proposal forward.
While details from the special meeting remain in confidence, council chief executive officer David Singe announced yesterday council intended to take up the proposal offered by Regional Express.
The community fare scheme will see Rex sweep in $129 fares on its Adelaide and Melbourne routes one-way on 25pc of tickets.
The agreement has been described as a major breakthrough between the council, the airline and the community following some turbulence between the parties in recent years.
Mr Singe said the looming agreement would usher in a new era for all parties and should drive up passenger numbers at Mount Gambier Airport.
“The proposed five year partnership between council and Rex will include council’s offer to reduce the head tax by $2 per person, which will be matched by Rex, resulting in an overall $4 reduction off all existing fares,” Mr Singe said.
He said council had advised Rex deputy chairman John Sharp of council’s intentions to accept the scheme.
Mr Singe and Grant District Mayor Richard Sage will attend a Rex board meeting later this month, where council will present its proposal.
He said the region would benefit from the $129 community fare with greater affordability and increased passenger numbers.
“This type of partnership has been very successful in many regional areas all around Australia and the council is looking forward to the success of this joint venture,” Mr Singe said.
He said council staff had been working behind the scenes in recent weeks collating information and research to help elected members make a sound and accountable decision.
“This was a big decision given there was a lot of public money involved – councillors had a lot of questions,” Mr Singe said.
“Councillors have agreed to the concept and we will now go to speak with Rex and put forward our proposal.”
He said council and the airline had been working cooperatively on the proposal since it was mooted during the senate hearing into regional air services in Mount Gambier late last month.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin arranged a meeting of regional stakeholders with Rex representatives to coincide with their visit, which led to the airline’s offer.
The community fare tickets will only be available if booked 30 days before travel or the day before on “unsold seats”.
More details are likely to be released following the meeting later this month, including the impact on the operational budget of the Mount Gambier Airport.
