Historic flight takes off
Second international passenger plane leaves Wellcamp
TOOWOOMBA has notched a new historic milestone with the second international passenger flight taking off from Wellcamp airport direct to New Zealand.
On board the Qantas 737800 yesterday were 70 of the region’s business and industry leaders who will look at new opportunities on a five-day trade mission on Access NZ.
The Queensland Maori Society marked the formal beginning to the five-day trade mission led by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, flying direct from the Garden City to Auckland.
TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said it was an historic occasion and the trip would build strong relationships between the region’s business operators and New Zealand leaders.
Ms Davenport said a fullday conference today would explore new opportunities in the tourism, energy and agricultural sectors for the 70 delegates on board the flight.
“It shows the wide crosssection of (TSBE) members who are all here ready to go start making some good relationships in New Zealand,” she said.
TSBE chairman Shane Charles said the delegation was a “unique opportunity” for the region with New Zealand representing a “logical first step” for operators on the cusp of exporting.
Mayor Paul Antonio hailed the historic flight for its significance to the Toowoomba region and commended the business leaders and region’s innovators for the milestone.
Cr Antonio will represent the Toowoomba Regional Council during the five-day trade mission before meeting with leaders of Toowoomba’s Sister City, Whanganui, later in the week.
He said tourism would top the agenda for the council, with a focus on how Toowoomba could learn from New Zealand’s international success with nature-based tourist attractions.
“The council delegation will visit Rotorua which is home to world class mountain biking facilities and other adventure activities,” he said.
“Council delegates will also take time to visit Whangarei to view the 25-hectare community garden project created in a disused stone quarry, which has strong alignment with our own Quarry Gardens ambitions.”