We warmly welcome comments from the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters', preferencing Queensland as one of two Australian states first in line to potentially establish a trans-Tasman travel bubble with.
- New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister announced Queensland and Tasmania to be considered to establish flights from New Zealand once international borders can be relaxed
- Three flights/week between Townsville and New Zealand could potentially inject almost $12 million/year into the Townsville North Queensland economy
- Health management puts Queensland in the box seat
- Re-establishing and increasing domestic flight routes and affordability remains a key focus, in parallel with this international opportunity
Although we didn’t previously have a direct flight connection with New Zealand prior to COVID-19, the Townsville International Airport is more than capable of catering for this new route. Furthermore, it’s an encouraging sign that the Deputy Prime Minister suggested the New Zealand Government would consider new destinations. Townsville can be a top contender considering we haven’t recorded a positive COVID-19 case for more than 60 days. This is on top of being home to an International Airport and the gateway to a vast region to explore for inbound kiwis and an ideal launching place for regional Queenslanders looking to share the New Zealand experience.
Queensland’s near impeccable management of the health crisis – and North Queensland has been a particular success story - has allowed restrictions to ease sooner. That’s why we are now in the box seat to bring New Zealanders to the Sunshine State quicker than the rest of the nation.
As we all begin to turn our undivided attention towards economic recovery for the State and rebuilding the 7,000 jobs in the Townsville North Queensland tourism and events sector, we see a Government supported New Zealand direct flight as a great potential stimulus for not just the North but the broader Queensland economy. Based on three direct New Zealand flights a week with a A320 Neo Aircraft, there is potential to inject almost $12 million a year into our local economy. This would support the more than 34,000 jobs across North Queensland that rely on a thriving tourism and hospitality sector. This would be a significant shot in the arm for our local business community, particularly the tourism, hospitality and accommodation sector which has been hit first and hardest by the impacts of the pandemic.
Establishing a direct flight path from New Zealand to Townsville would be the ideal scenario, but we would also be open to the opportunity to partner with our northern colleagues through a New Zealand-Cairns-Townsville connection. Aviation must be a critical priority for the State’s recovery; frequent and affordable flights enable tourism but also support the business community. It’s important to note that whilst a direct New Zealand route would be welcomed by our tourism industry and the local community, and this opportunity should not be overlooked, we must also remain focused on reestablishing affordable connectivity on our domestic routes.
Whilst we have seen some encouraging announcements from Qantas, we still need further increases in capacity between Townsville and Brisbane and government support to lower the costs of travel through either regulation or underwriting increased capacity. Considering 90% of the traffic through Townsville Airport is derived from Brisbane, it's a significant direct connection for our region but also a critical port for interconnecting flights between Melbourne and Townsville and Sydney and Townsville, for when the health risk abates, and interstate border restrictions can be lifted.
We will be working through TaskforceNQ and reaching out to the Queensland, Australian and New Zealand Government to discuss this opportunity and welcome conversations with all levels of Government on how we can further re-establish our domestic aviation links and continue to support North Queensland's economic recovery.
There is no better time to visit North Queensland!
It’s currently 10 degrees in Auckland and we have no doubt there would be a strong demand from New Zealanders to escape to our sunny 25-degree days. Townsville North Queensland is where winter shines and our doors, and skies, are wide open to our kiwi mates across the ditch! Now that holiday options are limited and travel across the globe is not possible, there is potential to turbocharge visitation from the New Zealand market to help expedite North Queensland's economic recovery.
