Capped airfares for residents in regional parts of the Western Australia will come into effect from July 1, Premier Mark McGowan has announced.
People living within 1,000 kilometres of Perth will pay a maximum of $199 each way, and those in more distant parts of the state will have their flights capped at $299.
The $19.8 million scheme was a key commitment from the WA Labor government at last year's state election.
The state government said return flights within the state had previously cost regional West Australians up to $1,000.
The price caps will only apply to return flights starting in the regions.
Reducing the burden on regional residents
Mr McGowan said the caps would ease the financial burden for people living in regional centres including Kalgoorlie, Albany, Broome, Geraldton, Port Hedland and Karratha.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the scheme would be the first of its kind in Australia.
"I am so proud we have secured this funding and have been able to work collaboratively with airlines and regional communities to deliver this unprecedented election commitment," she said.
Residents welcome the move
Broome resident Paul Jones travels to Perth every three months for MRI scans.
Mr Jones said the cost of the trip meant he had to go alone and stay in hostels.
"It just makes it hard sometimes when you have to go by yourself, stay in hospital by yourself, stay in accommodation by yourself, and to have a family member there would be a lot more comforting," he said.
Mr Jones said the caps would be welcome, but at $598 return from Broome under the scheme, the costs would still hurt the hip pocket.
"Having capped flights is good but we could do a little bit better I think," he said.
