DEAR News Of The Area,

COULD not agree more with the petition being organised by Sheri Guthrie (NOTA 1/11/24).

For far too long we have been the subject of a virtual monopoly with regard to airline services between Coffs Harbour and Sydney, the fares are nothing short of outrageous.

Two weeks ago we were made aware of a memorial service for a dear family member to be held in Sydney on Friday 8 November.

We looked up airfares to Sydney to travel down in the morning and return that evening.

To our astonishment the return fare for two adults was $1,700.

Bear in mind this was booking three weeks in advance – not to travel the next day.

We checked flights from Ballina for the same day and they were $600 cheaper for the two of us yet it is a longer flight time, hence more expensive to operate.

Why – because there is more competition with air services to Ballina.

It appears that if you have an important service like ours to attend or an urgent medical appointment with a specialist in Sydney you just have to pay and be ripped off.

Sheri is right.

For $1700 we could fly return to Bali with change left over.

Tourism, especially sports tourism in Coffs is going to be greatly affected by greedy Qantas.

Time for our elected representatives to stand up for the residents of Coffs Harbour.

Regards,
Neil MERCER,
Moonee Beach.