Airport charges
I write in response to the recent letter to the editor from Ms Danielle Slade.
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While I have previously explained to Ms Slade how airport charges work I always welcome the opportunity to discuss this important matter.
The simple fact is that airport charges are a small portion of the total fare. High airfares are a concern in many parts of regional Australia which is why there is currently an inquiry into regional airfares in Western Australia.
Mount Isa, Longreach and Townsville airport websites publish the standard pricing for each airport. However the large airline groups have the benefit of lower pricing under commercial-in-confidence agreements with airports based on passenger numbers generated.
For this reason the exact charges are not published, but as an indicator they are around 6% of the airfare.
The reason that charges vary between airports is very simple. All airports that service jet or large propeller aircraft require the same minimum standards of security screening, checked baggage screening, runway, apron and terminal facilities.
As is the case at many regional airports, if there are fewer passengers to split the cost of this minimum infrastructure, then the standard charges will be higher in regional locations than at larger city airports.
Airports are interested in passenger volume, not yield. It is important to note that airport charges are fixed regardless of what airlines do with their pricing.
Mount Isa Airport is happy to match the discount offered by Qantas on resident fares for Mount Isa.
Yours sincerely,
Kevin Gill, Chief Operating Officer, Mount Isa Airport
Political staff paid by taxpayer
It is well that one should say thank you for what is done for them.
This is particularly so when someone uses their own time and money to do so.
In last Thursday’s edition of the Star there was a letter to the editor from a cheerleader of the Katter Party telling all who would read this Letter to the Editor how good the staff of the two Katter MPs are.
Now let’s establish the facts. All members of parliament are provided with staff to look after the interests of the local citizens as well as providing the local media with nice little news stories keeping our members face in the paper, in our case most editions of the Star.
Between the Federal and State, three Katter MP’s, we have six fully staffed offices as well as approximately 20 full time staff to assist the local community and prepare media promotions extolling the virtues of these parliamentary members.
That’s right, the taxpayers pay these staff to do these alleged good deeds, just like the postman/woman who delivers our mail, or the local shop assistant or the local chemist.
It would be better to read about genuine good deeds not paid for good deeds which have a whiff of political bias.
Kendall Santillan, Mount Isa
Social media response to Michael’s Showcase Jewellers leaving
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