Charlotte Varcoe
A CUTBACK in regional flights between Mount Gambier/Berrin and Melbourne could continue until October.
Last week Rex Airlines announced a reduction in flight services to a number of regional routes with the Mount Gambier/Berrin to Melbourne on the list with the flights dropping from 15 per week down to 12.
Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven said in Parliament last week it was her understanding the airline service would continue the reduction until October while continually reassessing it.
“Their approach was instead of cutting one entire route, which could have met their operational needs, they instead reduced routes to the least extent as possible,” Ms Scriven said.
Ms Scriven said she was “very conscious and very aware” of the difficulties in regional areas by the cuts to the flights.
“Living in a regional area myself I am directly affected and have experienced difficulties in recent weeks and indeed months,” Ms Scriven said.
“More importantly than that, others have experienced difficulties when they are attending medical appointments and it has impacted on tourism and various matters where regional air transport is so important and crucial to those who live in regional areas in our state.”
She said she had written to Rex Airlines “pointing out” the difficulties faced by those in regional areas but also acknowledged the airline’s publicly stated reason for the cutbacks.
“This is specifically in regards to a shortage of pilots, engineers and supply chain issues for parts that are essential for maintenance and safety,” Ms Scriven said.
“I do appreciate that safety must come first and I am sure everyone in this Parliament must agree when it comes to safety there is no suggestion of short cuts.”
She said pilot shortage was an issue within the industry, affecting airlines domestically and internationally.
“It is very important Rex Airlines continues to address this in terms of pilot shortage and members may be aware Rex runs its own training academy and cadet program and I am advised by them they are continuing to invest heavily in that program,” she said.
