The continuation of Cobar’s air service has been secured after the NSW Government announced last week a $2 million subsidy scheme for commercial flights in Western NSW will continue at least until November 2025.
The agreement will allow for the continuation of subsidies on flights from Sydney to Cobar operated by FlyPelican, and from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link.
The NSW Government and the Far North-West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) subsidy agreement will provide residents, workers and industry in Western NSW with continued access to air services helping to reduce travel times in rural and remote NSW.
Subsidised air travel is vital for the delivery of essential services such as health, childcare, justice, family and community services, with doctors, specialists, nurses and social workers among the frequent fliers travelling to and from Western NSW.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said for Sydneysiders, air travel is an easily accessible convenience but for people living in Western NSW it is not so easy.
“This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on,” the Minister said.
Independent member for Barwon, Roy Butler welcomed the announcement of the ongoing funding.
“Western Air Services flights provide people in remote areas with much-needed access to health services, social engagements, and major economic benefits to our primary industries,” Mr Butler said.
“For many people in my electorate these flights are not a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially given the vast distances people need to cover in the west of the state.”
Mr Butler praised the Minister for her understanding of the importance of this issue when he raised it with her, and for following through to ensure the continuation of these vital air services.
Retiring Far North-West Joint Organisation Chairman, Councillor Barry Hollman also praised the Minister for her responsiveness on this issue.
“Just as commuters on the recently opened Metro in Sydney described the new train service as ‘transformational’ and ‘life changing’, the same can be said about the provision of these air services to the remote far North West area of the state,” Mr Hollman said.
“The Government has certainly gone the extra mile to assist our remote communities,” Mr Hollman said.
Chief Executive Officer, FlyPelican, Marty Hawley said they look forward to continuing to service these critical flights for the far North West region and its communities.
“Flight services to our remote regions are critical, and we are very pleased with today’s announcement to ensure the far North West region remains connected,” Mr Hawley said.
Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden said the announcement by Minister Moriarty would provide certainty and confidence in a lot of areas.
“However if you look at the initial passenger numbers when this subsidy started three years ago compared to present day, we have seen fantastic growth in all three councils, so it also gives us an opportunity to prove to the government that with a little bit of seed funding we can grow a service to the point where subsidies are not required, which in turn gives the government a high degree of confidence that their funding is not wasted,” Cr Marsden said.
“Cobar already basically doesn’t require assistance, and Bourke and Walgett aren’t too far away either, so I am pretty sure the government will get a fair chunk of change from their $2 million.”
