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MEDIA RELEASES MACAIR WITHDRAWAL The withdrawal of Macair's air link between Tamworth and Brisbane has Independent candidate for the seat of Tamworth in the forthcoming NSW State election Peter Draper very concerned. Following the announcement yesterday of Qantas's intention to withdraw services from Inverell and Glen Innes, Mr Draper said today that the decision was yet another blow to rural and regional stability. "As the former Regional Manager for Hazelton Airlines, I can understand the commercial reasons behind Macair's decision to withdraw from the route, but the unfortunate reality will be a loss of economic interaction between the local district and Queensland. It is unfortunate that tourism to the district will also be affected, especially with the service ceasing so close to the Country Music Festival in January." "In the last few years this district has lost Yanda Airlines from Gunnedah, Impulse Airlines from Inverell, Glen Innes, Armidale and Tamworth plus Hazelton Airlines from Tamworth and Armidale. Qantas (through Air Link) have announced their intention to withdraw from Inverell and Glen Innes, and now Macair Airlines have announced the closure of the Brisbane services. When will State and Federal Governments recognise the importance of air services to the economic wellbeing of rural and regional communities?" said Mr Draper. " Something needs to be done to address the tax burden placed on regional air operators by all three tiers of government. This, along with the State Government travel contract will be key issues I intend pursuing if successful at next years March State election," commented Mr Draper. "I firmly believe competitive services could be restored to our local area if all levels of government examined and amended the impact of their current policies," he concluded. End Release |