9:00 Opening Remarks From The Conference Chair

Regulatory Compliance and Security Screening

9:10 Achieving Your Commercial Objectives By Introducing Jet Services

In 2005, the then Bundaberg City Council embarked on a master planning process for the Bundaberg Regional Airport, which saw the development of the Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct concept. After much planning, in 2009 the newly amalgamated Bundaberg Regional Council commenced the construction of the Precinct development, including the airport upgrade and commercial/industrial subdivision.

• Negotiating with airlines to draft a clear partnership arrangement
• Maximising cash flow through attractive commercial development
• Adding to the economic prosperity of the local community by investing in security services to cater to growing passenger numbers and jet services

Naomi Searle
Manager Economic Development
BUNDABERG REGIONAL COUNCIL

9:45 Panel Discussion: Avoiding The Catch - 22 Scenario With An Overhaul Of The Current Funding Arrangements For Regional Airport Development And Security Screening

• Boosting economic prosperity of regional communities by minimising the cost of security systems for both regional airports and regional airlines
• Assessing alternative funding arrangements through an open dialogues with all levels of government
• Ensuring compliance with a nationally acceptable approach that will not disadvantage marginal regional centres
• Overcoming the high cost of screening by investing in ongoing development of regional airports
• Partnering with the private sector to fund ongoing development of regional airports

Airlines Perspective

11:00 Assessing The Low Cost Airline Model And Its Impact On Passenger Traffic On Regional Routes

Launching as the first sustainable low fare airline in Australian skies, Virgin Blue has grown to be recognised the world over as an innovator and leader in the global aviation industry. With more than 30%^ of the domestic market and a modern fleet of Next Generation Boeing 737-700 and 800 series, and Embraer E190 and E170 E-Jet aircraft, Virgin Blue currently operates more than 2800 flights a week to more than 25 Australian cities and centres.

• Developing a partnership approach with airports to drive passenger traffic on regional routes
• The importance of tailoring the terms of engagement between regional airports and airlines
• Looking at the impact of regional air travel on developing regional communities

Michael Young
General Manager Operational Planning
VIRGIN BLUE

Investing in a Community Asset

11:35 Creating A Centre For Aviation Excellence To Realise Your Airport’s Potential

The Greater Bendigo Council recently adopted the Bendigo Airport Strategic Plan and Master Plan. The redevelopment includes construction of a new runway, parallel to the existing and infrastructure development to the business park.

• Developing a profitable Airport Strategic Plan through a needs analysis of local industry, aviation and non-aviation related businesses and the airport leaseholders
• Creating a centre for excellence through development that will utilise existing facilities
• Realising the development’s full potential with a targeted marketing and promotional campaign
• Building a realistic business case by modelling the economic impact of development to engage all stakeholders

Bridget Conroy
Project Manager Airport Redevelopment
CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO

1:10 Contributing To The Economic Development Of The Community By Re-Introducing Jet Services

After extensive lobbying and planning for a sustainable West Kimberley airline service, the first direct flight between Perth and Derby for nearly 15 years commenced in 2007. Getting flights into the town was seen as the likely key driver of the continued growth of the shire and its economic prosperity.

• Ensuring continued growth and attraction of remote communities by expanding remote aerodromes to regional airports
• Securing funding for redevelopment by demonstrating the economic value of RPT to local government and the wider community
• Developing partnerships with regional airlines to provide RPT services
• Investing in the growth of remote centres with ongoing maintenance and expansion of air services

Kevin Pettingill
Executive Manager Technical and Development Services
SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY, Winner Economic Development Australia Award 2007 (Partnerships Award)

1:45 Not All Doom And Gloom - Working With Local Government To Achieve Your Commercial Objectives

• Demonstrating a clear need for aviation services with a demand forecast to secure support of local government
• Demonstrating the potential for ROI to ensure maximum funding from local government
• Increasing passenger traffic with smart investment decisions

Warwick Bennett
General Manager
MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL

2:20 Afternoon Tea & Networking Opportunity

2:50 Aligning Community Interests With Airport Development

Wholly owned by Latrobe City Council, the Airport is a key economic and community facility, with various businesses located at the Airport.

• Understanding what will encourage business in the community
• Increasing employment prospects
• The role of marketing in implementing development

Neil Cooper
General Manager
LATROBE REGIONAL AIRPORT

3:25 Closing Remarks From The Conference Chair

3:30 End Of Conference