Hi Tweaky,
assume the thin veneers are still expensive as the flame maple is pretty rare and needs to be cut with expensive machinery.

You could also try this guy in Perth had some flame maple sheets about 900mm x 280mm for about $25, he may have some left, that was about 3 months ago I got some. It is still advertised on his website. Not sure if Derek posts it or not
http://thetimberbloke.com.au/