As Qantas starts its 12 month outback discount fare scheme, McKinlay Shire residents are overjoyed since being added to the program.
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Much like Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Boulia residents, McKinlay Shire can now apply for the Qantas discount scheme to reduce their airfare prices.
McKinlay Shire residents can choose to fly from either Cloncurry or Mount Isa airports, to Brisbane or Townsville, depending on their needs.
McKinlay Shire Council mayor, Belinda Murphy, said she was pleased that Qantas acknowledge that Julia Creek and McKinlay residents use the Mount Isa and Cloncurry Qantas flights, despite having their own airport serviced by Regional Express.
“I spoke verbally with a representative from Qantas and council also wrote letters to the airline asking to be recognised as part of the discount fare scheme,” Cr Murphy said.
“Council is still waiting for written confirmation from Qantas, but was recognised in a recent media release from the company.”
With locals across north west Queensland expressing their disappointment that the scheme does not allow enough of a discount, Cr Murphy agrees.
“I agree that the discount fare scheme is not enough- however I applaud that it is a step in the right direction,” she said.
“If the scheme allows flyers to save $20 or $30, I don’t think anyone would throw that away. Although there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to get us back to some rational airfare pricing.”
Cr Murphy believed all councils needed to work together to put pressure on major airlines to reduce the pricing.
“LGAQ (Local Government Association of Queensland) has requested a review into transport for regional areas in its 10 point election plan,” she said.
“We need government to have a rational look at this industry because it affects everything we do, from keeping people in our small communities, to keeping locals connected to family and keeping our tourism industry connected.”
“The North West Regional Organisation of Councils need to work together. I’ve had in depth conversations with the mayor of Mount Isa and Cloncurry on several occasions, and we plan to work together to succeed in rational airfare prices for our regions.”
Read more:
- Qantas launches North West residents discount scheme: Nov 14, 2017
- Isa, Cloncurry residents will need to join Qantas Frequent Flyers: Oct 25, 2017
- Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomes Qantas support: Sep 4, 2017
- Qantas new discounted fare scheme for Mount Isa and Cloncurry: Sep 1, 2017
- Robbie Katter slams Qantas CEO: June 14, 2017
- Cloncurry man seeks price explanation from Qantas: May 22, 2017
- Qantas shambles in Mt Isa: Dec 13, 2016
- Spirit of Qantas blasted by local: Sep 7, 2017