Forget the Logies... let’s bring the Pilot Academy to Dubbo

ATTENTION Dubbo! The race is on to win the City a proverbial jewel in the crown for job creation – the Qantas Group Pilot Academy (QGPA).

Once operating to full capacity, QGPA Dubbo would be home to 500 pilot trainees who will need grounds maintenance, laundry, cleaning and catering services, opportunities in the city to repair and maintain their cars, buy fuel, eat out, shop for essentials, go to the movies, the theatre, the gallery, buy in to local events, take day trips around the region, and maybe even volunteer, play sports and get involved in the arts or tutoring on the side.

Like the locally situated Sydney University School of Rural Health and the CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic, a Qantas Group Pilot Academy would attract more young professionals to our district giving the city another opportunity to embrace and support academic excellence in Steam-related subjects, and perhaps inspire locals to consider flying as a profession.

These benefits are not lost on other regional centres who have also heeded Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce’s callout for a regional home for the Academy.

Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba is engaging Illawarra Parliamentary Secretary Gareth Ward for ideas.

Federal MP Sussan Ley and entrepreneur Dick Smith are backing Albury as an ideal location, while Bundaberg and Cairns are also campaigning Qantas.

With the Member for Dubbo Troy Grant and Federal Member for the Parkes Electorate Mark Coulton living locally, it’s hoped the long-term benefits to our region will be something they both run with hard in their respective circles of influence.

Time for everyone to dream big.