Farmers welcome resumption of flights

NSW Government support to resume air services to North Western NSW is warmly welcomed by farmers and communities facing ongoing drought conditions.

FlyPelican and Airlink will operate 26 new services each week, linking Bourke, Cobar, Walgett and Lightning Ridge to Dubbo and Cobar to Sydney.

NSW Farmers Western Division Council Chair Greg Rogers said a road trip from the far north west can take two days. 

“These flights connecting these isolated towns to Dubbo will significantly reduce that travel time and positively impact on the potential dangers of driver fatigue.”

Mr Rogers said accessible regional services are essential to support the more isolated communities dotted across western NSW. 

“They will also improve access for those conducting business or for visitors. I encourage Sydneysiders to take advantage of these new flghts and experience this wonderful and unique region.”

The new air services also mean that access to specialist health, education and business services in large regional centres and Sydney will be improved, reducing the isolation that farming families invariably face.

“The Government's $8 million commitment must be used wisely to ensure that these reintroduced air services are sustainable. It is well documented that the costs of regional air travel can be prohibitive.”

“We encourage FlyPelican and Airlink to ensure that ticket prices are set at an accessible level so that farmers, their families, and the local community members can access the services now and into the future.”