REGIONAL Development Australia is exploring support for a new flight linking Bendigo, Mildura and Adelaide.
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A survey is underway to gauge demand for such a route - information RDA hopes could point to airlines that would be best suited to approach with a business case.
It follows the success of Qantas services between Bendigo and Sydney, which started in March.
RDA Loddon Mallee chair Linda Beilharz said a lot of people traveled between Bendigo and Mildura for reasons including work, health and education.
"From Mildura most people will hop on a plane and to go Melbourne or to Adelaide," she said.
She said RDA was aware a lot of time was being spent, and a lot of workers were spending time, travelling Bendigo and Mildura by road.
The survey is targeted at industry, including government departments, the health sector and businesses.
Ms Beilharz said the survey sought to assess demand for a route from Bendigo to Mildura, and potentially from Mildura to Adelaide.
"When the RDA talks to people about what's required in the region connectivity is a big one," she said.
Ms Beilharz said the Qantas service had increased people's awareness of the value of travelling by air, so it was a timely discussion to be having.
She said the study complemented the work the City of Greater Bendigo was doing on the potential for new flights from the city's airport.
Mayor Margaret O'Rourke last month said an Adelaide route was among the new flights the city was considering, along with a Canberra service.
A council delegation broached the next stage of funding for the airport's expansion during meetings with members of the state government in Melbourne.
Ms Beilharz said any proposed flight linking Bendigo, Mildura and Adelaide would be open to all airlines to consider.
"Airlines have different size aircrafts and different routes it would link to," she said.
"RDA won't be talking to airlines but will be preparing the information so it can be done."
The survey is expected to close at the end of the month.
RDA is hopeful of having an understanding about what the responses indicate by the end of August.
The survey is being conducted by a consultant and is not aimed at members of the public.
However, Ms Beilharz said RDA Loddon Mallee would welcome feedback from the general community.
To contact the office, email rda.loddonmallee@rdv.vic.gov.au
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Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
