Alliance Airlines will expand its Queensland operations and establish a new base in Rockhampton, thanks to the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said the new $12.5 million project was expected to support up to 30 new full-time jobs in its first year of operation, growing to 58 over the next five years.

“This new operation brings greater connectivity, potential new routes, increased private charters and new tourism ventures to Central Queensland, with crew, maintenance, and aircraft to be based in Rockhampton.

“For the people of Rocky, it also means that during natural disasters like flooding, fires or cyclones there will be improved access to large commercial jet aircraft.

“The Queensland Government has worked closely with Alliance Airlines to land this valuable regional service for Queenslanders, which will create local jobs and grow the local economy,” Mr Dick said.

The Managing Director of Alliance, Scott McMillan, said today’s announcement by Alliance Airlines is the first step in developing a significant operational base in Rockhampton.

“We are currently advertising to employ Rockhampton locals, as part of this Government initiative in becoming a substantial contributor to the Rockhampton economy.

“Since Alliance was founded in 2002, with the assistance of the State Government, we have grown to become Australia’s largest charter operator specialising in charters for the resources sector.

“Alliance has grown from a Brisbane head office and maintenance facility with two Fokker 100 aircraft to now having permanent maintenance and offices in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Darwin and in excess of 40 Fokker aircraft.

“With the tremendous support of the Queensland Government as outlined by the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick, and the positive discussions we are having with Margaret Strelow, the Mayor of Rockhampton, I am confident in years to come Alliance will be a significant participant in both the local economy and community.

“Alliance is proud of the community contributions we have made in all the regions that we have established bases and we look forward to continuing this in Rockhampton.”

Paul Scurrah, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Virgin Australia Group congratulated both the Queensland State Government and Alliance Airlines for announcing this commitment to regional Queensland.

“Virgin Australia has a great partnership with Alliance that allows us to provide an excellent service into Rockhampton. As a Queensland-based airline, we have a strong commitment to regional flying and connecting Australians around the country and the world,” he said.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the investment was a vote in confidence in Central Queensland.

“Rockhampton is a great place to work, live and invest and I’m proud that Alliance Airlines has chosen Rocky to expand its operations, creating jobs and providing greater connectivity between Central Queensland and the rest of the world.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said today’s announcement creates more opportunity for the region.

“Opportunity for job creation, opportunity for new tourism operations and product and opportunity for locals to stay connected – and that’s what the Queensland Labor Government is all about, putting Queenslanders first.

The Queensland Government’s $105 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund offers financial incentives to encourage businesses to relocate to or expand in Queensland.

“To date the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund has supported 13 projects which will generate over 930 new direct jobs and more than $330 million in private investment over the next five years,” Mr Dick said.