Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced Regional Express (REX) flights will resume into Clarence Valley Airport at Grafton.
“I am extremely pleased that they have reconsidered and are now reinstating this important service for our community,” Mr Hogan said.
“I have continued to work with REX, Clarence Valley Council and the Deputy Prime Minister to resolve this issue.”
“I have left no stone unturned in ensuring this essential service resumed for the sake of our local community.”
Flights will resume from Monday, August 17 and will operate return services three days a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fares will be available for sale from 7:00pm tonight.
Clarence Valley Council Mayor Jim Simmons welcomed the announcement and restated the importance of this service.
“I would like to personally thank Kevin Hogan for continuing to advocate for this important community service,” Cr Simmons said.
“Flights into Grafton are vitally important for our local economy and connects our region to major population centres.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the resumption of REX flights to Grafton was a step in the right direction for the industry.
“Throughout the whole COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Government has done everything possible to ensure the aviation industry could be sustained, including providing $298 million to maintain critical regional air links and deliver financial support for smaller regional airlines and air operators providing essential services,” Mr McCormack said.
“The reintroduction of the flight from Sydney to Grafton is a great step forward for the region to reboot the economy in what has been a difficult year for everyone.”
REX Deputy Chairman the Hon John Sharp AM said “although Rex has always taken the view that elected representatives speak on behalf of the community, Rex is giving the benefit of the doubt to the community of Grafton and is accepting at face value the assurance from the Federal Member for Page. Rex will be watching the developments at Grafton closely.”