Boulia Shire Council is calling on politicians to support its tourism industry by introducing more flights into the region.
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In its submission to the Inquiry into the operation, regulation and funding of air route service in rural communities Boulia Shire Council said tourism was fundamental to the economic recovery of the region.
“Tourism and associated industries were not considered as part of the Queensland review that took place during the last review of regional connectivity needs in 2013/14, hence the minimal connectivity into Central Western Queensland for Regular Passenger Transport contracts,” Boulia Council said in its submission. “Current RPT services equate to 10 hours utilisation of Boulia Shire Airport per week which is a severe underutilisation of council owned asset maintained at ratepayer expense. Increases in the use of the facility will generate jobs for the region as passenger numbers are stagnant due to pricing pressures.”
The council routes should be re-designed to offer more flexible and relevant services to rural and remote centres.
“One size doesn’t fit all situations; a customised local response is required to ensure that the service is best fit for both the destination and the carrier,” they said.
Boulia council said its residents appreciated that a service exists between Boulia and Brisbane / Mount Isa providing regular access for business, personal and emergency travel.
“However one can not travel to Brisbane and/ or Boulia return on the same day due to the scheduling of flights and the length of time to make this journey,” the council said.
“At present to travel from Boulia to Brisbane direct it is an eight hour flight with seven stops, seven take offs and seven landings.”
This is the “puddle jumper” Rex flight that stops at several airports including Boulia and Birdsville.
Boulia council this was not conducive for medical travel due to the tiring nature of the flight. “Add the cost of overnight accommodation to the already high level of stress medical appointments have on patients and it ceases to be a level playing field for rural and remote families.”