NOVEMBER 24, 2015: GOVERNMENT-funded provision of customs and immigration services at Mackay and Whitsunday Coast airports will be critical for international flights enabling job creation and economic growth.The Liberal National Government has been providing free customs and immigration services to the Townsville airport since it began international flights to Bali earlier this year.I have already spoken with the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, seeking similar arrangements for international airport operations at both Mackay and the Whitsundays.Mackay Airport recently foreshadowed an impending announcement regarding international flights to Mackay and new domestic services. But in order to secure those flights immigration and customs services are needed at the airport.The Whitsunday Shire Council also is in negotiations to deliver an international charter program to the Whitsunday Coast Airport next year.Some of the most important elements for a region’s economic growth are connections with the wider world.I welcome the prospect of more tourism and jobs that will inevitably flow from the introduction of international flights for the region.This is an important time for the Mackay airport as it works to position itself as a hub for development of mines in the Galilee Basin.The addition of international flights will open up more tourism opportunity and also provide new freight links to boost local industry and jobs at a time when it is badly needed.I will be working with the council in the Whitsundays and with the Mackay Airport to ensure both proposals clear any regulatory hurdles.