Mr CONLAN - 2015-02-24
Can you provide an update to the House on the moves to restart the much needed and valued air services, or milk run, as it is known, that follows the Stuart Highway?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. The Northern Territory government is pushing ahead with plans to connect major centres along the track with a new airline service, affectionately known as the milk run. The government is committed to connecting Territorians and creating jobs by developing north Australia. Transport is a key enabler of economic growth, and a regular passenger service in the regions will support local industry and improve access to health and other essential services, as well as enhance tourism traffic through the Northern Territory centres.
It is great to see how we are taking this next step. The government called for expressions of interest last year, seeking submissions from commercial airline operators interested in providing a two-year scheduled air service trial, which connects Katherine and Tennant Creek to Darwin and Alice Springs. Through the expressions of interest process, the government has tested the market and industry interest has demonstrated that services in and out of Katherine and Tennant Creek can be a viable option.
Two commercial aviation operators have been chosen to go through the next round this week. The Department of Transport will formally engage with both of them to discuss putting services in place. Part of the process will be determining what level of government support is required. The priorities in these discussions are ensuring quality services for Territorians, affordable fares, connectivity of flights to other air services in Darwin and Alice Springs, and the continued growth and long-term sustainability of services.
This government’s aim is for flights to commence mid-2015 where possible. We are looking at a two-year trial, during which time we will monitor the level of community, government and business uptake of flights and determine how service might continue to be operated long-term. To be a viable service that is appealing to business and the general public, it will need to offer regular flights. Government envisages at least three services a week in the Dry Season and two in the Wet Season, which will be discussed with the operators.
This is a vital link – the spine, if you like – of the Northern Territory and how that air service can change the morale at a township level from Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. It gives options for people, including government employees who often have to travel between those locations and usually spend many hours on the road. They will now have access to a service which will get them there much more quickly and safely than using road networks.
This is a great news story for the Territory, even greater for our regions, to ensure something that was once here. I recall the days when Ansett had a Fokker 100 that flew Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs on a daily basis.
Ms Lawrie: You were not here.
Mr CHANDLER: Yes, I was.
Members interjecting.
Mr CHANDLER: You can hear the rabble over there, but this is a good news story for the Territory; getting services back to our regions.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. The Northern Territory government is pushing ahead with plans to connect major centres along the track with a new airline service, affectionately known as the milk run. The government is committed to connecting Territorians and creating jobs by developing north Australia. Transport is a key enabler of economic growth, and a regular passenger service in the regions will support local industry and improve access to health and other essential services, as well as enhance tourism traffic through the Northern Territory centres.
It is great to see how we are taking this next step. The government called for expressions of interest last year, seeking submissions from commercial airline operators interested in providing a two-year scheduled air service trial, which connects Katherine and Tennant Creek to Darwin and Alice Springs. Through the expressions of interest process, the government has tested the market and industry interest has demonstrated that services in and out of Katherine and Tennant Creek can be a viable option.
Two commercial aviation operators have been chosen to go through the next round this week. The Department of Transport will formally engage with both of them to discuss putting services in place. Part of the process will be determining what level of government support is required. The priorities in these discussions are ensuring quality services for Territorians, affordable fares, connectivity of flights to other air services in Darwin and Alice Springs, and the continued growth and long-term sustainability of services.
This government’s aim is for flights to commence mid-2015 where possible. We are looking at a two-year trial, during which time we will monitor the level of community, government and business uptake of flights and determine how service might continue to be operated long-term. To be a viable service that is appealing to business and the general public, it will need to offer regular flights. Government envisages at least three services a week in the Dry Season and two in the Wet Season, which will be discussed with the operators.
This is a vital link – the spine, if you like – of the Northern Territory and how that air service can change the morale at a township level from Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. It gives options for people, including government employees who often have to travel between those locations and usually spend many hours on the road. They will now have access to a service which will get them there much more quickly and safely than using road networks.
This is a great news story for the Territory, even greater for our regions, to ensure something that was once here. I recall the days when Ansett had a Fokker 100 that flew Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs on a daily basis.
Ms Lawrie: You were not here.
Mr CHANDLER: Yes, I was.
Members interjecting.
Mr CHANDLER: You can hear the rabble over there, but this is a good news story for the Territory; getting services back to our regions.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016