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The Queensland government will review its regulated regional air services ahead of the expiry of contracts next December.
The state government will hold 22 public consultation sessions in coming weeks, as well as speak to councils, industry stakeholders, and local MPs, to ensure “a broad range of perspectives” inform the process of preparing for the next aviation services contracts.
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“The Crisafulli Government is committed to listening to regional Queenslanders and delivering reliable, accessible and affordable transport options that best suit the community’s needs,” the government said in a press release.
“This review process helps ensure contracts are appropriate for the future of the aviation sector across remote and regional areas, as well as evaluates operational capability, whether any regulatory and legislative reform is required.”
Queensland currently regulates and subsidises seven regional services to 23 towns across the state, six of which are operated by Rex and one by QantasLink, where flights would otherwise be commercially unviable for the airlines.
The seven services – two western, two central, two northern, and one Gulf of Carpentaria – have caps on their maximum airfares, with airfares below the cap at the discretion of the airlines.
According to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg, the government is looking to make sure regional Queenslanders stay connected.
“Reliable, affordable, and accessible air services are a lifeline for regional and remote communities. They ensure Queenslanders can reach essential services, engage in business opportunities, and stay connected with family and culture,” he said.
“That’s why we’re listening closely to locals. Their feedback will help shape future aviation contracts, so these services are delivering in a way that meets community needs.
“We want every Queenslander – no matter where they live – to have confidence that there are transport options available to them, and this consultation is a critical step in delivering that.”
The community consultation sessions commenced in Toowoomba on Friday, 21 November, and will continue through to 17 December in Roma, with further consultation to follow in 2026.
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says:Whenever a Govt. sets up a “Review” the truth is another R word is intended, REDUCTION