Victorian election 2022: Matt Guy pledges Mildura flight price cap

Matthew Guy will today pledge $100 flights for Mildura region residents in a bid to win back Mallee voters.

Mildura region commuters will get two $100 return flights to Melbourne in the first two years of a Coalition government, Matthew Guy will pledge today.

The Opposition Leader and his deputy, Peter Walsh, will visit Mildura today to announce a $23 million trial to cap return airfares to Melbourne at $100.

Those living within 150 kilometres of Mildura will be eligible for two $100 return flights to the state’s capital over the next two years.

One-way flights from Melbourne to Mildura are priced between $550 and $850 next week, The Weekly Times found.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy. Picture: David Crosling

“Part of Mildura’s beauty is its isolation, but that can come at a hefty price for those looking to get to Melbourne with return flights often costing more than $400,” Mr Guy said.

“Our plan will make it easier and cheaper for locals to get to and from home, ensuring time spent with friends and family, or important appointments, aren’t missed.

“Capping return flights at $100 is a real solution to the growing cost of living and transport. “Mildura locals have called for flight subsidies for some time, and we’ll deliver it.”

Mildura is set to be a tight three-way race between independent MP Ali Cupper, Liberal candidate Paul Matheson and National Party candidate Jade Benham.

Ms Cupper won the seat at the 2018 state election from National Party MP Peter Crisp and holds the constituency on a wafer-thin margin of less than 0.2 per cent.

However, the seat has a maverick streak with former independent MP Russell Savage winning Mildura at the 1996 election and increasing his margin three years later.

Mr Walsh said the past few years had been difficult for regional airlines with the frequency of services yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

“Capped flights are a real alternative to passenger rail, which can’t be considered until the botched Murray Basin Rail Project has been completed,” Mr Walsh said.

“The Liberals and Nationals have already committed the necessary $5 million to complete a business case for the Murray Basin Rail Project – something Labor refuses to match.””