Jacinta Allan joins local Labor MPs during first visit to Geelong as Premier, says conversations are ongoing with Avalon Airport

Jacinta Allan was the first to admit that there was something very fishy about her first visit to Geelong since becoming Premier.

Jacinta Allan at Herne Hill Primary School. Photo: Alan Barber.

Premier Jacinta Allan says the state government is in “constant conversations” with Avalon Airport executives about expanding job opportunities at the site.

Ms Allan, who made her first visit to Geelong as premier on Friday, said the return of international passenger flights would be a windfall for the region, but would not say whether an announcement was imminent.

“We’ll continue to have those conversations with Avalon,” she said.

“I know, and my colleagues (local state MPs) know this very well also, they’re always keen to see more flights come into Avalon, more activity at Avalon.

“And I know my colleagues are as well because that also means great activity for Geelong.”

Ms Allan said it was also the responsibility of local federal MPs, Richard Marles and Libby Coker, to advocate for Avalon.

An Avalon spokeswoman this week said discussions with government were ongoing.

The state government this week announced China’s Sichuan Airlines would fly daily between Chengdu and Melbourne from September next year.

Avalon Airport executive chair David Fox last month said an announcement about the return of flights could be made “within days”.

“We’re seeking support from the state and federal government, hopefully that will come and then we will really start moving,” he said.

While in Geelong, Ms Allan visited Herne Hill Primary School to promote her government’s $1.5m policy of providing angling kits to primary school students across the state.

“With all the essentials included, the kits will encourage more than 100,000 youngsters to get to the water where they can practice with family and friends,” she said.

Ms Allan was joined by local Labor MPs Ella George, Darren Cheeseman, Christine Couzens and Alison Marchant.

Originally published as Jacinta Allan joins local Labor MPs during first visit to Geelong as Premier, says conversations are ongoing with Avalon Airport