THE introduction of direct flights from Tamworth to Brisbane via Qantas is expected to give the local economy a major boost.
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Qantas announced on Monday it would travel between the country music capital and the Queensland capital three times a week, starting November 12.
Tamworth Business Chamber vice president Stephanie Cameron said Qantas' decision would instill confidence in the local business community.
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"We're delighted Qantas has made the decision to introduce these direct flights from Tamworth to Brisbane and back again," Ms Cameron said.
"It will mean businesses that do business in Brisbane and Queensland will have far easier access to conduct their business.
"As well as that, I think it will give a lot of businesses a boost and some confidence that things are starting to get back to normal."
Ms Cameron said the region's tourism sector stood to benefit from the announcement.
"I think Qantas making this decision is proof there is some interest in tourism from both the Tamworth and Brisbane side of things," she said.
"It is good to see this route has been implemented and provided all parties follow the right protocols set down by the governments, it should be a real positive for us."
A Qantas spokesperson said the easing of border restrictions between Queensland and regional NSW had paved the way for the services to resume.
"While Friday's borders announcement was not the one our people, the tourism industry or travellers had been waiting for, we're pleased to be able to add some more flights back into our schedule," the spokesperson said.
"This increased flying helps get more of our people back into the air, maintain travel options for regional communities and drive much-needed tourism."
The Leader understands Qantas will offer its service to Brisbane on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
New England MP Barnaby Joyce said Qantas' move was "a good sign of an economy opening up".
"We are starting to see things open back up and it's not before time too," Mr Joyce said.
"The risk of COVID-19 is going to be prevalent for some time to come, but that risk has to be managed.
"In the end, no government program can take the place of a fully-thriving economy and moves like this show we are closer to making it back that standard.
"From an epidemiology stand point, this is a really good decision from the Queensland Government."
Currently, limited flights operate from Tamworth to Sydney in the wake of the pandemic and travel restrictions.
In December last year, Qantas announced it would begin flying direct from Tamworth to Brisbane from March 29 this year.
However, the plans were scrapped due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
The Qantas spokesperson said the easing of restrictions would also allow for flights between Port Macquarie and Brisbane to begin on November 18.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
