I have endeavoured over a six month period to contact the Australian Workers Union (North Queensland) organiser in Townsville on some 15 occasions, including a scheduled meeting which warranted a trip from Cairns to Townsville – he did not turn up.

I’ve visited AWU headquarters three times in Townsville and I’ve been informed he wasn’t there.

So we will have to rely upon other unions.  

The Mount Isa award in the ‘good old days’ included a free trip for the whole family once a year return to Brisbane.

I have informed Member for Traeger Robbie Katter that I feel we now need a public meeting.

My objective is to achieve a $350 return flight from Mount Isa to Townsville to Mount Isa daily over and back. To achieve this we would need to offer an airline 72 per cent uploading (the plane to be on average 72 per cent full) throughout the year.

This would require Mount Isa Mines (Glencore), the state government and Mount Isa, and possibly Cloncurry, to agree to guarantee to meet the shortfall, if a shortfall arises. (The Isa Buffs Club and Irish Club may also be included).

In discussions with State Member Robbie Katter, he is strongly favouring the calling of expressions of interest for the run to Townsville and this may work without a guaranteed uplift.

I apologise for taking so long but I had placed my hopes on the union which has considerable influence with the Brisbane government.

But efforts after six months have proved futile.

Other unions in contrast have offered strong support.  

But I urge all to come to a public meeting, a show of interest, a show of strength is a pre-requisite needed for action. 

The operation, regulation and funding of air route service delivery to rural regional and remote communities Senate Inquiry was moved by the Senate in November last year. 

The committee for the inquiry must report by September 20 this year.  A public hearing about the inquiry will be held on April 12 in Cloncurry. For more information go to:  www,aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/RegionalAirRoutes.