Remote NSW air services will continue after their subsidies will be extended for another 12 months, the state government says.
The $2m in subsidies from the state’s Regional Development Trust will connect Dubbo with Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge (by Air Link) and Sydney to Cobar (Fly Pelican).
The Western Air Services subsidy will now run until November 2026.
Fly Pelican are to operate six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, while Air Link will operate eight return routes each week between Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.
Air Link, which also operates charters, has a six-aircraft fleet (three jets), including a twin-engine seven-seat Piper Chief, its website says.
Fly Pelican operate the 19-seat Jetstream 32 twin-engine turboprop aircraft, its website says.
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty says the money is to help keep these flights in the air.
“Regional communities rely on air travel for its convenience and speed, to ensure they can get to health care or business appointments or bringing in visitors and workers,” she says.
Far North West Joint Organisation Chairman and Cobar Shire Mayor Jarrod Marsden says the flights presently deliver “significant benefits” to the region.
“This extension will help our community maintain connection while delivering significant economic and social benefits,” he says.
Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford says regular air services are “extremely beneficial” to the residents of Bourke Shire, already without ready access to many services.
“The extension to this subsidy means many residents will continue to benefit from these air services either by travelling to regional centres, or from visiting service providers who travel into the region to conduct work,” Ford says.
Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien says the announcement “is great news” that the services will continue as regional communities continue to navigate a lack of access resulting from their isolation and distance from larger areas.
“The Far North West Joint Organisation covers some of the most remote and economically and socially disadvantaged communities of the state.
“The availability of regular air services has had a positive impact on reducing this disadvantage,” he says.
SMALLER AIRPORTS IN NSW AND ELSEWHERE ‘NEEDS SUPPORT’
Earlier this year, before the federal election, the Australian Airports Association (AAA) called for greater government funding for regional and rural airfields.
AAA CEO Simon Westaway said: “We’ve heard that many regional airports need improved sustainable funding to ensure their infrastructure is up to scratch and that all of Australia stays connected.”
He said that many of these regional airports and rural airfields are council-run and often operate at a loss.
At the time, he called for an annual funding budget of $50 million a year for the Regional Airports and Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programs to upgrades smaller runways.
“These airports and aerodromes are vital lifelines for many communities, connecting residents to essential services, family, friends, and tourism opportunities,” he said.
Westaway said these regional airports were needed not just for emergency management but other purposes like pilot training, recreational flying and private aviation services.
“Without adequate investment, outdated and strained airport infrastructure will impede economic growth and hinder the travel industry.”
He also called for the country’s mid-sized airports to be covered by a federal $25m Mid-Sized Airport Program to fund safety upgrades.
NEWCASTLE AIRPORT: NSW sets up new fund set up ahead of overseas flights
