Article: Queensland government scraps remote airfare subsidy

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Queensland government scraps remote airfare subsidy

Queensland government scraps remote airfare subsidy

Date July 25, 2012 - 1:33PM

The Queensland government has scrapped airfare subsidies for remote Cape York and outlying Torres Strait islands communities.

The Local Fares Scheme, in place since the beginning of the year, allowed residents of remote Cape York communities and the outlying Torres Strait islands to make return flights to Cairns and Horn Island for $99 each way.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson says the state government could no longer afford the scheme.

"This scheme was a pre-election bribe by Labor, started in January 2012 with operators contracted to deliver it only until April 2012 - a month after the election," Mr Emerson said.

"As the former Labor government ... left the state heading towards a $100 billion debt, this scheme will not be continuing."

Mr Emerson says fares already booked will be honoured.

Without the subsidy, one way flights from Horn to Yorke Island can cost more than $400, while flights from Cairns to Aurukun can cost around $500.

Opposition treasury spokesman Curtis Pitt says the subsidy is crucial for poorly serviced communities.

"It is really important for people to be able to travel to Cairns for funerals, health services and the like without breaking the bank," he told reporters in Cairns on Tuesday.

"The reaction from people when they've heard that this is going to be axed has been quite overwhelming."

AAP

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-news/queensland-government-scraps-remote-airfare-subsidy-20120725-22phh.html

[Stillwater]

Why travel to Cairns for a health check when the local witch doctor can feed you a few potions -- health care Queensland style.

[mufreight]

Off topic I know but,
Which Witch doctor, Old Feather Foot the Kadachi man, he is a bit like Queensland Health Services Doctors up there, never seen but blamed for everything.

[ButFli]

Life in Australia is full of choices, you choose to live there you choose to pay the costs of getting out.

Agree.