Cheap flights to Sydney, Darwin and Melbourne on the cards for NQ residents

Townsville residents could soon by flying to some of the country’s biggest cities for half price as part of the government’s aviation boost. FIND OUT WHERE >>

Townsville residents could soon be flying to Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin for half price as part of the federal government aviation boost.

It is understood the three capital cities will be the main route for tourists to come to Townsville as part of the federal government’s half-price flights.

When the federal government announced Townsville was a last-minute addition to the half-price flights, Herbert MP Phillip Thompson could not reveal which states would accept discounted flights from the northern city.

But a source has told the Townsville Bulletin that the three cities were locked in as destinations.

Townsville residents will soon be able to snag half price flights to some of the country’s major cities. Picture: Evan Morgan

It is understood further discussions are underway to include Tasmania in the discounted flight paths.

An official announcement is expected to come before April 1.

It is also understood the Western Australian government turned down flights between Townsville and Perth.

The federal government subsidy is part of a program designed to get people moving to other states.

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With some states prone to putting snap border closures in place, often sending tourists scrambling to fly home, many people across the country have stayed put.

But this move is designed to get the country’s tourism and aviation industry back on its feet. Mr Thompson would not confirm the cities were locked in.

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“I’m working closely with the minister and the airlines to secure the locations,” Mr Thompson said.

“The positive is not just on the 50 per cent discounted rate from the location, but it will mean 50 per cent from Townsville.”

Mr Thompson said the flights would give people a chance to travel and see family in other parts of Australia.

“But also to welcome people from outside of Townsville and the state to come here, visit, and spend their money.”

The major tourism destinations included in the flights include the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island, the Sunshine Coast, Lasseter and Alice Springs, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and Hobart, Broome, Avalon, Merimbula and Kangaroo Island.

Originally published as Cheap flights to Sydney, Darwin and Melbourne on the cards for NQ residents