I have been die brisbane about two years ago and have bought my gear there before I was traveling to Perth.
My Flight from Austria to Australia did cost 1600€ including three national flights in Australia.
I did inform myself in both Kiteshops and 3 further fellers, which I have not had a store but gave Kite lessons and were selling Kite-gear. (By the way I did not buy my Kite there, but all the rest of my Kite-gear)
What I have mentioned above, was just my impression as I have been there. I would not like to say that it would be always like that, may be they have had a bad day and have not been interested in giving explanations to a beginner.
But what shalls it is the same in Europe..... some shops give good explanations and acceptable prices straight away and some others after a long negotiation. And it is always difficult I guess for a beginner to understand that the list prices are not the real realistic one.
I think Kitepower have had a difficult start in Brisbane (as I said two years ago) and it is always difficult to accept a competitive shop in the own City especially at the same beach. But I hope for both parties that things are going better now. And as i could read now from some other people which have been to that race, that it is a kind of a cooperation which sounds really good to me.