NSW Gov’t extends western air service subsidies into late 2027

By Andrew Curran.

The New South Wales State Government has agreed to extend its Western Air Services Subsidy until November 2027 to secure scheduled passenger services to four towns in the state's far west. The government also says it is “looking beyond” the 12-month extension to develop longer-term arrangements for air services.

The Western Air Services Subsidy covers FlyPelican-operated flights between Sydney (SYD) and Cobar (CAZ), and Air Link-operated flights linking Dubbo (DBO) to Bourke (BRK), Walgett (WGE) and Lightning Ridge (LHG).

The flights play an important public service role, linking residents of some of the state’s most remote towns with larger service centres. The government says more than one-third of the people using the flights do so for health care and medical reasons.

Air Link, which runs thrice-weekly Piper Chieftain round-trips between Dubbo and Bourke, in addition to three-times-weekly Dubbo–Walgett–Lightning Ridge–Walgett–Dubbo rotations, called the subsidy extension “great news”.

“We look forward to continuing to serve these communities into the future,” the airline posted online.

In its ongoing campaign to secure and subsidies to operate the flights, Air Link has consistently said the services are not commercially viable without government support.

While all four towns are within a four-hour drive of Dubbo, a large commercial centre with decent medical services, maintaining scheduled air links to smaller towns is a politically sensitive issue.

A survey conducted by the Far North West Joint Organisation found that 94% of residents and stakeholders consider the flights critical.

The New South Wales Government says extending the subsidies gives these “communities greater certainty and confidence”.

In addition to Air Link, FlyPelican flies six times per week between Sydney and Cobar courtesy of the Western Air Services Subsidy scheme.

Cobar Shire Council says the flights are vital to the ongoing sustainability of the region, which supports mining and farming businesses.

The Western Air Services Subsidy scheme is funded through the New South Wales Government’s AUD400 million (USD281.6 million) Regional Development Trust. The trust invests in projects that improve transport, liveability, economic opportunity and services across regional areas of the state.

“Reliable air services are helping keep Western NSW communities connected to the people, services and opportunities that matter most,” said Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

“For people in Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar, these flights make it easier to access health care, education, jobs, business opportunities and stay connected with family and friends.”

Photo: Air Link.
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com