Direct flights to Brisbane a vital link for Kimberley

Tourism and aviation operators have hailed Qantas’ new direct flight between Broome and Brisbane as another vital link between the Kimberley and the rest of the country.

Starting this weekend, the four-hour twice-weekly connection, on Sunday and Thursday, will effectively halve the flight time between Broome and Queensland, eliminating the need for a stopover in Perth.

Broome International Airport manager Nick Belyea said the route would support tourism and also provide an additional destination for workers in the oil and gas industry.

He said the south-east corner of Queensland was one of the fastest growing regions in the country with a large base of early retirees who would regard the Kimberley as an ideal destination.

Australia’s North West chief executive Glen Chidlow said the route would further strengthen Broome’s position as a gateway and was another step in the right direction for the eventual goal of direct international flights.

“So people arriving in Broome from an international destination can travel throughout the region; you’ve got flights going to other regions in WA as well as connections to every mainland capital city,” he said.

“For the commencement of the 2011 tourist season this is a major step for Broome by increasing the capacity for travellers.”