What a great week for western Victoria! After years of uncertainty, and a bandaid fix by the previous government, the Andrews Labor government has provided confidence and certainty for over 200 workers at Avalon Airport.
In a deal struck by Labor with Jetstar and Linfox, the Andrews government will contribute $12 million to shore up this important asset for western Victoria.
Flights will be increased from five to seven per day, with two new destinations to be added in the near future.
The CEO of Avalon, Justin Giddings, said that staff burst into cheers and applause upon hearing the news, which was a welcome relief after so much uncertainty under the previous government.
It is expected that employment at the airport will now grow once again, with new flights coming on line in the near future. This is what happens when businesses and workers know that they have a government that will stand by them and support them.
The good news continues, with the Premier and Minister for Public Transport announcing at the Waurn Ponds station that Labor will invest $257 million in new regional trains and local jobs.
In this week’s state budget there is funding for 21 new V/Locity carriages, which will carry an extra 1500 V/Line passengers every day.
This investment also includes a maintenance and stabling yard at Waurn Ponds station, creating more than 100 jobs during construction and about 30 ongoing jobs.
The new depot will provide training opportunities for students enrolled at TAFEs, giving apprentices in the manufacturing and engineering industry the hands-on experience that is so important.
These Labor government announcements are yet another boost for the confidence of Geelong and Western Victoria Region.