STATEMENT: Potential closure of regional airline service threatens community growth

The following statement can be attributed to Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle:

North West Queensland is at a crucial juncture. As we prepare to welcome a significant influx of workers for the CopperString transmission line project, our community faces an alarming challenge – the potential closure of a vital regional airline service.

With the project poised to transform our region, we're seeking substantial investment in airport expansions to accommodate the influx of workers.

Yet, now we are confronted with the prospect of losing our only air service – a critical lifeline for our growing community. Why isn’t the right hand talking to the left hand?

We need government to look out for regional Queensland, as the impact of this loss across our communities regionally would be astronomical.

The adage ‘build it and they will come’ has rung true – we're building the infrastructure and the workers are arriving. However, we now face the stark reality of potentially having no planes to bring them here.

I’m pleased that Rex Airlines has today confirmed that we will have continuation of our regional service, but you have to ask: for how long?

Regional Queensland should not be regressing. We have immense potential and opportunity, yet we’re failing to capitalise on it.

It’s disheartening to see the lack of consistency in addressing challenges we face with our services and infrastructure.

We urge the government to provide sustainable support for a regional airline service. Our community's growth and self-sufficiency depend on it. It's time for decisive action to ensure our region's progress and prosperity.