Kimberley locals frustrated by airline ‘price gouging’ in flood crisis, call for State Government intervention

Kimberley locals have slammed the WA Government for its decision to subsidise the cost of flights to and from Perth, while travelling between Broome and Kununurra can cost twice as much as a trip to the State capital. A round trip between Broome and Kununurra can set back a Kimberley traveller about $1500, with locals expressing their anger online, accusing the airlines of “price gouging.” The WA Government last month announced discounted flights between Perth and both Kimberley towns aimed at tourists in the wake of last month’s floods, with Premier Mark McGowan taking to social media to assure travellers the Kimberley was “open for business.” Virgin Australia flights have been advertised for $219 between Perth and Broome and $259 on the Perth-Kununurra route, but the airline has also made fares available to Broome from Perth for as little as $195. Upcoming flights on the much shorter Broome-Kununurra route, operated by Qantas codeshare airline Airnorth six days a week, can cost around $650 and usually range between $380 and $550. Broome mother and beauty therapist Kiah Hull said being unable to drive and the high cost of flights was making it difficult for her to visit family in Kununurra or travel there for work. “It’s such a pain. My mum and dad are still there and (my fiance’s) mum is still there too,” she said. “It’s harder to get to them now than when I lived in Perth. I’m also trying to get back up there to do some work but with the cost of flights, it’s just not worth it.” So once again poor Kununurra residents miss out on services.” The WA Government supported capped airfares for regional residents travelling to and from Perth from July 1, 2022, confirming nearly 30,000 discounted tickets were sold during the first three months of operation. East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO chief executive Clare Smith said capped flights within the Kimberley would also benefit businesses and tourists this upcoming peak season, reinforcing the State Government’s slogan for the region. “There are is a number of businesses that operate across the Kimberley that need to travel between Kununurra and Broome regularly, and with the recent collapse of the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge, road travel is not an option in the immediate future,” she said. “Some businesses have a base in both towns and share staff between the two towns. Additionally, businesses utilise training or courses in either town that may not be offered at their campus. “Having capped airfares for tourists during the upcoming peak season may act as a further incentive for tourists to maintain bookings and fly if they are nervous about road access. “It would further support the Government’s message that ‘the Kimberley is open for business’.” Broome Shire president Harold Tracey said more should be done to support air access to the region. “An affordable air link between the West and East Kimberley regions is more important than ever,” he said, “It’s about an 11-hour drive at the best of times, but this will blow out to much longer when people are stuck waiting for a ferry to get across the Fitzroy River or at roadworks that will be in place for a long time. Mining and Pastoral Region MLC and Liberal spokesperson for transport and northern Australia Neil Thompson said he called on the WA Government to cap fares at $150. “Please don’t forget us! The water will recede, as it does every year, but this year is exceptional. We are cut off, east to west, for business, tourists and our local families that would normally jump in the car and drive,” he said. “Most important thing the State Government can do is restore connectivity for businesses, family and friends to ensure that the very special fabric of connection that is the Kimberley is not forgotten. “I call on the Government to apply a $150 price cap for airfares between Broome and Kununurra with appropriate support to Air North for its introduction and ensure airfares between other regional towns such as Halls Creek and Broome or Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing are provided at an affordable level for the duration of the road closure,” he said. WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the Government was looking at “all options” to support the reconnection of regional communities and businesses. “The Government has been engaging industry groups, including the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce to ascertain the impacts of freight costs on local businesses, and assist with planning for any potential support measures,” she said. “Reconnecting the Great Northern Highway between East and West Kimberley will be one of the best ways we can support communities, local businesses and industry, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen as fast as possible despite the challenging conditions and ongoing impacts of the wet season. “This includes our recently announced plan to use barges and construct a new low-level floodway crossing at Fitzroy, to reconnect Great Northern Highway.” Airnorth was contacted for comment.