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Bowen Shire backs MPA plans to attract international flights from New Zealand

The progressive North Queensland shire of Bowen has thrown its weight behind plans by the Mackay Port Authority to attract direct international flights from New Zealand.

The Mackay City Council this week pledged $75 000 to help underwrite the direct Auckland-Mackay service, tipped to get off the ground in May.

Whitsunday Shire Council and Tourism Whitsunday have also expressed interest in assisting to underwrite the service. The MPA hopes the two bodies will give a commitment soon.
 
Virgin Blue/Pacific Blue this week confirmed that it was exploring opportunities with the MPA over additional domestic and international services.

Bowen Mayor Mike Brunker said the direct Auckland flights would provide an exciting opportunity for the shire’s fledgling tourism industry.

“I will be taking a proposal outlining my support for this exciting venture to our next council meeting,” Cr Brunker said.

“I can see the ‘big picture’ and the benefits these flights will offer Mackay and the Whitsundays and we’re very much part of the Whitsundays.

“Bowen has a number of new tourism ventures in the pipeline – some will come online early next year and I’m certain Bowen can offer NZ tourists a variety of unique alternatives to activities in Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday islands.”

The New Zealand service is expected to inject more than $5 million into the region’s economy over the six month trial period.
 
Cr Brunker said the matter would be discussed at the council’s December meeting.

“It’s something we need to discuss at council level, but direct flights from Auckland to Mackay can only benefit regional tourism,” he said.