New airport opens skies to new opportunities

MAYOR'S DESK: Last week was an historic one for the region with Qantas announcing flights from the Wellcamp Airport to Sydney will start November 17.

Mayor Paul Antonio at the Qantas announcement at Wellcamp Airport. Picture: Nev Madsen

MAYOR'S DESK: Last week was an historic one for the region with the announcement by Qantas Regional Airlines that flights from the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport to Sydney will start November 17.

There will be 11 return flights per week with flights to other parts of Australia expected to be added as time goes on.

This region has been lacking vital connectivity for so long and I want to thank the Wagner family for their enormous leap of faith in our community.

Their loyalty to the region is a great asset and the opportunities that will spring from the airport's building are unprecedented.

The airport is set to open up the skies for business, tourism and freight and will provide a catalyst for jobs and, in turn, a remarkable economic boost for the region.

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We are delighted to welcome Qantas to Toowoomba at a time when we believe this region is on the cusp of remarkable development.

In fact, latest independent studies estimate that by 2019, the airport will generate more than $452 million worth of business per annum into the local economy as well as generate more than 3,100 full-time jobs for our region.

QantasLink signs up for Wellcamp

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Even in building, more than 200 local residents are currently employed as part of the building team.

As the gateway to Queensland's largest agricultural basin, the airport will open up both domestic and international export opportunities for local producers in the bellies of passenger aircraft.

The airport is within 12 hours of half of the world's population.

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Key agricultural outputs from our region that may be explored include grain, cotton, beef, dairy, pork and chicken, horticulture production, fruit and vegetables.

The airport will also make the region more attractive to the lucrative business events market, and as such council has committed funds for a feasibility study into a convention centre in the very near future.

This airport will be open to the public at an open day on Sunday, September 28 - I recommend a visit.

The first flights will leave on November 17 and Qantas are offering introductory flights to Sydney for $99 - visit www.qantas.com.au for more information.

Originally published as New airport opens skies to new opportunities