George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Some of the most important elements for a region's economic growth and for jobs are connections with the wider world. In North Queensland, greater opportunities are starting to take flight, with planning for international airports at both Mackay and the Whitsundays well advanced.

The Whitsundays is a world-renowned destination and will attract even more tourism dollars into the region with direct international flights—an opportunity recognised by the Whitsunday Regional Council—along with the opportunity for agricultural exports to the region. The council, which owns the airport, is in negotiations to deliver an international charter program to the Whitsunday Coast Airport next year.

The Mackay Airport is also buckling up for international flights and increased domestic capacity. This is an important time for the Mackay Airport as it works to position itself as a hub for long-distance commutes to the mines that are opening up in the Galilee Basin. The addition of international flights will open up more tourism opportunities and provide new freight links to boost local industry and jobs at a time when it is badly needed.

Townsville received a gift from this government, with immigration, border protection and quarantine services at their airport, which facilitated flights to Bali. I have been in discussions with the immigration minister about extending a similar gift to both the Mackay and Whitsunday regional airports. I will be working with the Whitsunday Regional Council and with the Mackay Airport to ensure the proposals clear any regulatory hurdles.