Moree is virtually assured of an air service to Sydney for at least the next two years.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall says a decision to continue the regulation of the Moree to Sydney air route is a big win for the local community.
The State MP has fought alongside Moree Plains Shire Council to retain the status quo in the face of threats over the past year for all remaining regulated routes in NSW.
“This decision guarantees the existing service model for a further two years,” Mr Marshall said.
“Essentially it means a licence is required to operate services on the Moree-Sydney route and gives an operator exclusive rights to service the Moree Airport.
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“This gives surety not only to passengers, airport users and commercial operators, but also the airline provider,” he said.
The comunity rallied to fight moves to deregulate because it was believed a new model threatened the continuation of regular air passenger services.
“The Moree air link with Sydney is crucial for business, health services, tourism and government services and it cannot be jeopardised,” Mr Marshall said.
Expressions of interest for the tender for an operator to service the route for another two years, from 30 September, were being distributed from Friday.
QantasLink signed a contract through to 30 September to service the Moree community, on the basis of exclusivity with a regulated route.
Mr Marshall said the decision had obviously taken into account recognition of the unique nature of the Moree to Sydney route, which services around 34,000 passengers a year.
“I encourage the community to participate in Moree Plains Shire Council’s consultation to ensure our voice is heard when the tenders are evaluated,” he said.
“I will also continue to do everything I can to safeguard to interests of the Moree community when it comes to continuity of quality air services.”
