Council welcomes more flights and Fraser Island reopening

The Fraser Coast has had a double dose of good tourism news with Qantas to start providing two flights every day to and from Brisbane, and K’gari (Fraser Island) accommodation providers given the green light to welcome back guests.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Qantas’ decision to start providing double daily flights to and from Brisbane to Hervey Bay from this Wednesday 16 December would be a fantastic boost.

“Tourism is a huge part of the Fraser Coast economy and while the drive market has been very strong, we need to have that connection to Brisbane and beyond in the sky as well,” he said.

“Additional flights are not just good for tourists though. Additional flights make it easier for family and friends to visit, to do business and to travel for health services if needed.

“The Fraser Coast has built itself to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland, and these additional flights coming at the start of the school holidays will help our region continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Seymour also welcomed today’s announcement that access restrictions for K’gari (Fraser Island) would be lifted from tomorrow (Tuesday 15 December).

“The bushfires on K’gari (Fraser Island) have had a significant impact on the landscape of the island, but thankfully, through the hard work of the authorities, the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and local communities, there has been minimal impact on property and infrastructure,” he said.

“K’gari (Fraser Island) is the jewel in our tourism crown so it’s great news that resorts, beach houses and some campgrounds are able to be reopened.

“It is important though that anyone visiting Fraser Island stays informed as some areas, including walking tracks, will remain closed while they are assessed for risks and maintenance is undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.”

More information is available on the QPWS website via Park Alerts – www.qld.gov.au/parkalerts