Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan has welcomed the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government guaranteeing the domestic aviation network for at least the next eight weeks, a move that ensures the Coffs Coast remains connected to Sydney.

Qantas will deliver two return flights per week between Coffs Harbour and Sydney airports as part of a larger $165 million deal by the Australian Government to underwrite the cost of Qantas and Virgin Australia Groups minimum domestic network.

“It’s great to see a couple of flights maintained between Coffs Harbour and Sydney during this challenging time for essential travel,” Mr Conaghan said.

“While Australians are asked to stay home unless absolutely essential to travel, it’s important to still have the ability to get frontline and essential workers, defence personnel and important freight items like medicine and personal protective equipment to Coffs Harbour and our broader region.

“I hope to see flights from Port Macquarie to Sydney again soon.”

The announcement made today by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack complements the actions the Government has already taken to underwrite international flights to help Australians get home, as well as flights to the nation’s regional and remote communities through the $198 million Regional Airlines Network Support program announced on 28 March and the $715 million package announced on 18 March.

These minimum domestic air travel arrangements will last for an initial eight weeks with a review mechanism in place, where the Government will continue to monitor the market and determine if further action is required.

The Government continues to support every Australian to get to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than $320 billion of investment, including the $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to support workers and businesses.