Media Release

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Businesses and community members are being asked to complete a survey to determine the level of demand for a regular commercial air service between Swan Hill and Melbourne.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Cr Greg Cruickshank said a preliminary survey of large organisations was conducted by Council in October last year to gauge the likely demand for an air service to operate.

“While the results of this initial survey were very optimistic, it has been identified that a second, more extensive survey will enable us to measure the total demand for an air service among the community,” Cr Cruickshank said.

“We would like to encourage all interested persons to complete this survey and return it to council, as the results of the survey will be critical in developing a business case for a regular passenger service to and from Melbourne.”

Cr Cruickshank complimented the work undertaken by the business community in the preparation of the survey.

“We acknowledge the support of members of the business community who have assisted in the preparation of the survey and their advice has been invaluable,” Cr Cruickshank said.

A number of key benefits to the community and business have been identified around a Swan Hill to Melbourne air service, including reduced travel time and travel fatigue (resulting in increased staff productivity), lower travel risk, an increased ability to service customers, lower overall business travelling costs and the potential to generate new business opportunities.

Furthermore, according to industry experts, a regular passenger air service provides an important economic boost, with towns that have a passenger air service performing stronger economically.

“The initial survey recognised that a regular passenger air service would be an important link for business, professionals and tourism, making Swan Hill more accessible and a more attractive place to live, work and visit,” Cr Cruickshank said.

"A passenger air service could be a great addition to Swan Hill, the community and region as a whole.”

Surveys will be posted to businesses within the Swan Hill region from Monday, 8 February. Copies of the survey are also available from the Council offices in Splatt Street, the Swan Hill Region Information Centre, online at Council's website at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au or by contacting Claire Oswin on 5032 3033 or coswin@swanhill.vic.gov.au.

Alternatively, please click on one of the links below to take part in the survey.

Air service survey (PDF version) (62 KB)

Air service survey (Word version) (173 KB)