From left, Glenorchy Air co-owner James Stokes and National MPs Joseph Mooney, Jacqui Dean and Simeon Brown discuss the impacts of the proposed closure of the Milford Sound airstrip on Tuesday. Photo: Mountain SceneNational MP Simeon Brown is calling for the government to immediately scrap the proposed closure of Milford Sound airstrip, saying the runway is vital to tourism operations. After a visit to Milford Sound last week with Southland MP Joseph Mooney and Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, Brown says he thinks the airstrip closure is "an absolutely crazy thing" to have on the table. While he agrees there’s room for improvement in managing visitor congestion, he says closing the airport is not the answer. Flightseeing operators have reduced their businesses’ environmental impact, Brown says, only to have their future operations thrown up in the air.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 12, 2022 03:45 UTC