Hopes for flying start as airport gets boost

HOPES are sky-high that a new Cairns Airport cash boost will help kickstart flights, which are urgently needed.

The airport, along with 14 other regional Queensland airports, will share in the State Government’s $5 million regional airport package announced last night.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the $5 million would help secure intrastate flights to Far North Queensland.

“We’re doing everything we can to fast-track Far North Queensland’s economic recovery and create jobs for locals,” he said.

“We’ve invested more in flights than any government in Queensland’s history because we understand that flights mean jobs for locals.

“(The) announcement gives the team at Cairns Airport the funding they need to secure more flights to our region. The flow-on benefits for our community could be massive – providing a real boost for local businesses at a time they need it most.”

Airport CEO Norris Carter welcomed the funding, saying it would help regional airports gear up for returning flights.

“It’s for regional airports in Queensland, so it’s a pot and we will certainly be able to access it,” he said.

“For most of the fights we are talking about, domestic short haul, like for New Zealand and interstate and intrastate, that can go a fair way.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the funding could support 1500-1600 jobs per year over a three-year period, with each flight tipped to generate up to 50 jobs along the supply chain.

“We know that tourism operators right across the state are hurting due to COVID-19,” she said.

“This funding will allow thousands more Queenslanders to explore their own state and could pump millions of dollars into communities like Cairns that rely on tourism.”