Airport plan could mean new markets
Andy Brackley would stand to save thousands if an international airport went ahead at Proserpine. T…Andy Brackley would stand to save thousands if an international airport went ahead at Proserpine.
The Bowen farmer forked out $2500-$3000 every time he freighted a truck load of tomatoes and mangoes to export from Brisbane.
If current talks between the Whitsunday Regional Council and the state government go to plan, one day he may only need to drive produce down the road to access those markets.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association President Carl Walker said a Proserpine airport would be "bloody marvellous", but thought Townsville could be a more logical option.
He said organising quarantine inspection officers and agriculture infrastructure might put the project out of reach.
Freighting produce to Brisbane cost farmers about $160-$170 for a pallet, and about 22 pallets fit on a truck.
"If anyone looked at the carbon footprint on a box of tomatoes (from Bowen) they would be horrified," he said.
"Having a direct line to Asia from the north should definitely be a first step."
Whitsunday Mayor Jennifer Whitney confirmed this week the council would seek support from the state government for its proposed Whitsunday Coast Airport International Export Hub.