Mildura Mayor Jason Modica has urged the Australian Government to continue working closely with regions not included in the first rollout of discount airfares as part of its tourism and aviation recovery package.
Cr Modica said there would be major economic and social benefits for north west Victoria if the Mildura region was included in the full recovery package, which includes half-price airline tickets.
"Tourism, and the ability for visitors to fly to our region, has long been a major economic driver for our community, particularly given our remote location," he said.
"Our reliance on this sector is now more important than ever as we look to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and border closures, which in many instances have hit our tourism operators hardest."
Cr Modica said international and domestic visitor numbers had declined significantly over the past 12 months.
"As the food bowl for Victoria, we have many international business visitors as well, given our nationally significant almond, fresh and dried fruit, table and wine grape industries," he said.
"The Australian Government's aviation and tourism recovery package contains some great initiatives targeted at tourist regions, which would make a real difference to our community. Any investment in the regions is good investment, and Mildura needs to be part of it.
"We're recognised nationally as a tourist destination. Our climate makes us one of the few places to visit where you can enjoy a dose of sunshine during the upcoming winter months, and the Murray River is ideal for all interests, including boating, cruising and paddlesteaming, even during autumn and winter.
"Our region is a prime candidate to benefit from the Australian Government's full recovery package.
"It would attract more visitors, which means more spending in our local accommodation venues, our bars, cafes and restaurants, our numerous hard-working tourism operators.
"There are so many areas within our economy, and our community, that would benefit from the full suite of measures announced by the Australian Government."
Cr Modica said he would continue to work closely with our region's state and national government representatives, as well Mildura Regional Development and Murray River Tourism Board, to ensure Mildura is included in the half-price airline package.
