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September 3, 2014
Qantaslink – the regional arm of Qantas – announced today it has signed a deal to secure 11 return flights to and from Sydney a week from the new Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba.
The airport, located just west of Toowoomba, is Australia’s first privately funded public airport … and the first public airport to be built in half a century.
Qantaslink says flights will start from November 17, with twice-daily services Monday to Friday and daily services on the weekend.
The 300ha airport features a 2.87km runway capable of landing a Boeing 747 but Qantaslink plans to use its much smaller 74-seat Q400 aircraft.
The airport has been situated to service the Brisbane West region through to the Darling Downs and Surat Basin.
Under construction nearby is an 800ha Business Park.
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and the Wellcamp Business Park are being constructed by Wagners, a family-owned business established in 1989 in Toowoomba.
Wagners is one of Queensland’s largest privately owned construction materials and mining services companies.
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Wagners’ Chairman John Wagner said he was confident of a long-term relationship with QantasLink given the demand from business and leisure travel to Australia’s second largest inland city after Canberra.
“This is a momentous occasion for Australian aviation, our Toowoomba region and the airport,” Mr Wagner said.
“I speak on behalf of Wagners’ four shareholders, Joe, Denis, Neill and myself when I say that we always knew a major airline would see the potential of servicing south-west Queensland.”
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QantasLink Chief Executive Officer John Gissing said he was delighted to offer customers flights to the country’s newest airport.
“Qantas’ history began in Queensland over 94 years ago, so we’re delighted to be part of this important milestone in Queensland’s history,” Mr Gissing said.
“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we understand the needs of regional Australia and we’re confident that the new route will stimulate tourism and business opportunities for the Toowoomba area.
“QantasLink customers travelling to and from Brisbane West Wellcamp will enjoy our exceptional product and service on board our Q400 aircraft, as well as seamless connections to domestic and international Qantas services.”
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Premier Campbell Newman, who was aboard the first aircraft to land at the airport today, said the agreement between Qantas and Wagners was a sign of confidence in the growing region of south-west Queensland.
“This kind of investment and commitment from Wagners and Qantas really shows the prosperity of the Darling Downs and south western Queensland,” Mr Newman said.
“It guarantees billions-of-dollars-worth of investment, and secures hundreds of local jobs for south-west Queensland.
“The new Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport really is the gateway to south western Queensland’s tourism, agricultural and resources regions.”
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To celebrate the launch of the new services, QantasLink will offer $99 one-way fares from September 3, 2014 to September 12, 2014, for travel between November 17, 2014 and June 30, 2015.
Other special QantasLink launch fares connecting via Sydney from Wellcamp include Melbourne from $179 one way, Adelaide and Hobart from $199 one way, and Perth from $259 one way.
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Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said today’s announcement would provide yet another launching pad for the future prosperity of the region.
“Regular services from Toowoomba will take our city to the world,” Cr Antonio said.
“The nation’s major carrier committing its resources to this airport is a major vote of confidence in the region and its future.”
Cr Antonio said the signing of Qantas was just not a coup for Toowoomba, but for the wider region.
“The Darling Downs has so much to offer. This airport will be a catalyst for further growth in the region and will redefine our region in terms of being a destination for business and tourism,” he said.
“There is more than $11 billion dollars being spent in infrastructure development across the Toowoomba Council footprint at present.
“Toowoomba is in a growth surge like no other in the city’s history. Projects like the airport will continue generate growth and business and fan further investment in the city.
“The focus for Council must be the continued planning for our future to ensure that essential infrastructure is in place to deal with the growth that these major projects will bring to the city.
“Council is very aware that the population of Toowoomba is set to double over the next 18 years due to our diverse, economic base including agriculture, the Surat Basin Energy province and our city’s role as a key service industry centre for Southern Queensland.”
UPDATE: Regional carrier Skytrans announced this afternoon it will stop its Toowoomba-Sydney flights after the Qantaslink announcement.
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UPDATE September 5: South Burnett Regional Council’s economic development manager Phil Harding has responded to the Opinion piece above:
“The draft strategy includes an initiate to build strong relationships with Toowoomba, Somerset and Ipswich regions.
“When the document was drafted the new Toowoomba airport was part of the reasoning for strengthening our ties with Toowoomba. Somerset was more ‘drive tourism’ and Ipswich – industrial/manufacturing supply chain.
“These regions are important economic enablers for the South Burnett.
“The SB EDS is out for consultation until November 30, after which time improvements will be incorporated.
“I think we should specifically add into the strategy implementation plan (a back document) – an action to increase links with the airport along with measured outcomes.”
