The integrity of the Gold Coast Airport curfew has been protected, with the Morrison Government rejecting a bid to extend a temporary exemption for freight flights to arrive between 11pm-6am QLD time. This follows strong consultation with the Southern Gold Coast community.
The exemption, which allowed four Qantas freight flights per week to arrive within the curfew period, was granted under exceptional circumstances at the height of the pandemic to help address supply chain issues. It will expire on 1 April 2022.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP welcomed the decision, saying it was a win for southern residents.
“Hundreds of locals contacted me, and I personally wrote to the Department of Infrastructureexpressing my strong opposition to any further extension of the current airport curfew exemption,” Mrs Andrews said.
“This temporary exemption was particularly relevant when the Labor state government closed the Queensland-NSW border, creating tumultuous conditions for our border community.
“With travel restrictions and border closures ceasing in recent months we’ll now see an ongoing restoration of flights and of other freight networks.
“I will always stand up for southern Gold Coast residents – who can now rest easy knowing their curfew has been protected.”