We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
Rachel Yangoyan, QantasLink CEO, in an interview with Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Tourism Leaders Forum, discussed opportunities and challenges in boosting connectivity within and outside Australia
Qantas is at the start of its largest ever fleet renewal program. For QantasLink that means replacing the Boeing 717s with new, modern A220 aircraft and investing in 14 mid-life Q400 aircraft to better service regional Australia.
With almost double the range of the 717s, the A220 can fly between any two points in Australia and to several offshore destinations, creating new route options in future.
It has the largest windows of any single-aisle aircraft, a cabin with a greater sense of space and fast, free Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stay connected. It also has comfortable Economy seats with extra padding compared with the 717. By the end of the year, we will receive our fifth Airbus A220.
Canberrans will have already seen the A220s operating some flights between Melbourne and Canberra and the feedback from customers has been amazing.
The other significant part of Qantas' fleet renewal is 28 A321XLR aircraft that are on order as part of the progressive replacement of its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft over the next decade, with the first due to arrive in April 2025.
The A321XLR is the longest-range variant of the Airbus A320 family, which will allow Qantas to open up new non-stop routes that aren’t viable with existing aircraft.
The A321XLR aircraft model opens opportunities to serve smaller markets across Australia and international direct flights. Its range makes it possible to reach Southeast Asia, although there are operational factors to consider.
Regarding flights from Canberra, Ms Yangoyan explained that decisions on new routes, including its airline Jetstar, rely on demand. “If we’ve seen that demand there, we’ll absolutely service that,” she said.
Despite the impact of COVID on air travel, air crew staffing has been managed with recruitment and the Qantas Group Pilot Academy. However, training for fleet changes remains a challenge, limiting aircraft routes.
When asked about driving down the cost of airfare, Ms Yangoyan said that airline ticket prices are in line with inflation. She explained that regional routes remain expensive due to fixed costs. She also advised to book in advance for lower rates.
On exploring battery-powered aircraft, Ms Yangoyan said that this will not be available commercially “for a number of years.” She discussed Qantas’ sustainability goals to decarbonise aviation, including its key levers such as sustainable aviation fuel, new aircraft and advanced technology.
Increased competition with new entrants like Koala Air are welcome, said Ms Yangoyan. She said it challenges Qantas to keep innovating. She noted that starting an airline is challenging and wished them good luck.
With national flights still down post-COVID, Ms Yangoyan said that the international market has “really good demand.” However, it involves competing with many international airline coming into Australia.
She said that Qantas remains committed to delivering point-to-point services. Additionally, the demand to travel remains amidst financial pressures.
“We're still seeing that many people are prioritising travel and experiences even though there is a cost of living crisis.”
Doug Boudry APM, ACT Deputy Chief Police Officer, on ACT Policing’s safety initiatives to support tourism in Canberra
Mr Boudry noted that although Canberra is a safe city, summer months see a rise in alcohol-related incidents due to increased foot traffic at events. ACT Policing's "Safe Summer" campaign aims to promote safe behaviour among young adults (18-35). It focuses on common offences in the entertainment precinct such as fighting, abuse of staff and riding scooters under the influence.
Involved in this campaign are its Territory Targeting Team to enforce laws, distribute campaign merchandise, and maintain a visible presence in entertainment districts.
ACT Policing collaborates with local businesses and Access Canberra to promote safe alcohol service and prevent antisocial behaviour. It conducts walkthroughs, speaks to licensees about responsible service of alcohol and provides presentations to high-risk venues. Data is monitored to evaluate effectiveness of strategies.
Mr Boudry discussed the drug law reform, stating that it was a transition period for the community and police. He said that prior to the new decriminalisation law, ACT Policing was already targeting suppliers and offering diversion programmes. The team works closely with ACT Health, recognising that addiction is a health issue. One initiative addressing bad batches of drugs is CanTEST, a free and confidential service that provides information on illegal substances before they are consumed.
Mr Boudry commended the support of the community, particularly CBR NightCrew and Sobering Up Shelter, for fostering a safe environment to intoxicated individuals.
The Emergency Management and Planning Team is another part of ACT Policing that provides proactive policing services. The team ensures safety in sporting events, concerts, charity events like Aussie Peace Walk and large gatherings like Summernats and Floriade.
Event organisers are encouraged to request policing services at least 6 weeks prior to an event. Applications can be filed through the ACT Policing website.
Road safety is another high priority for ACT Policing during summer. With increased inter-state travel, ACT Policing is part of the Kings Highway partnership, working with NSW Police and Eurobodalla Shire Council. A high-visibility road safety initiative targets drink driving, speeding, and distractions to reduce accidents over the summer.
Question – What findings emerged from ACT Policing's assessment of antisocial behaviour?
Mr Boudry said that the "City Safe" campaign data showed that antisocial behaviour occurred in daytime. High-visibility policing and working with businesses and government agencies improved outcomes. A challenge was that while these efforts reduced crime in target areas, the crimes would disperse to other parts of Canberra.
“I think it's a good example of where industry, police and other government agencies worked together to tackle the issue of antisocial behaviour.”
Question – When the tourism industry is impacted by safety issues, how do they reach police about an urgent situation?
Mr Boudry said that the community can report incidents via 131 444 or Crime Stoppers. Life-threatening situations must be put through 000. Online reporting of minor incidents, like vandalism, aids ACT Policing in tracking trends and coordinating with other agencies for a broader impact on property damage.
Darren Pearce, CEO of Canberra Racing Club, shared major changes in the club that have resulted in community engagement and maximising the use of Thoroughbred Park
Mr Pearce discussed enhancing the club’s culture in the two years under his leadership. He said the club has diversified its events, deepened community ties and invested in sustainability and equine welfare. The club is also addressing workers’ compensation for the first time. It is keen to move forward with its master plan in collaboration with the government and the Thoroughbred Park Housing and Revitalization Steering Committee following the election.
Mr Pearce introduced Canberra Racing Club as a not-for-profit club that has won multiple awards over the past two years. It hosts 25 race events annually, trains 400 horses and organizes 125 non-race day events. Its management of Thoroughbred Park promotes tourism.
The club receives funding from the ACT government. Its initiatives have generated $80 million in economic benefits and supports 500 full-time equivalent jobs. It focuses on local business, community charities and tourism.
Among its events are:
- Black Opal Stakes Day (largest race event) – has a $1 million prize and attracted 8,500 attendees
- Hops and Hooves Festival, which engaged the 18-25-year-old market
- The Festival of Speed, a European-inspired car showcase held at Thoroughbred Park that saw 13,500 visitors
- Community-focused events including a Special Children’s Christmas Party
“Our ultimate aim is to build over the next 10 years a progressive, diversified business model, to be bigger than racing.”
Mr Pearce discussed the club’s master plan and the close ties with government agencies to deliver “the project that Canberra needs for the future.”
The Thoroughbred Park Housing and Revitalization Steering Committee’s plan includes residential and commercial spaces to meet Canberra’s housing targets. It aligns with ACT’s 30,000 new homes goal by 2030.
Question – How do you think the process of approvals will be for the master plan?
Mr Pearce said they are “very positive” given their strong collaboration with the ACT government to align Thoroughbred Park’s development with Canberra’s long-term infrastructure and housing plans.
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted:
The ACT and Region Tourism Awards is on Friday, the 29th of November. Tickets are available now through the NCAA website.
Cricket ACT are hosting the Prime Minister’s XI Gala Dinner at Parliament House on Friday the 29th of November as well. The Australia-India tests take place on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.
Congratulations to the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum, which both won awards at the recent 2024 Australian Museum and Galleries Association Awards. The National Film and Sound Archives won a National Trust of Australia Heritage ACT award too.
Next forum Monday 2 December 2024.
Speakers will include: Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Federal Finance Minister and Senator for the ACT; Andy Lopez, Summernats Co-Owner and Managing Director; Katherine McMahon, National Museum of Australia Director
Credits:
Created with images by • katacarix - Canberra, Australia - Sept 29, 2018. Ferris wheel at the Spring Festival of Floriade. Masses of tulips in front of the Ferris Wheel at Floriade in Commonwealth Park. • daqroad - Canberra Parliament House