The Minns Labor Government has extended its support for another 12 months for subsidising commercial flights to and from some of Western NSW's most remote communities as part of its plan to better connect people and businesses across regional NSW.
The subsidies are funded from a $2 million investment from the Minns Government's Regional Development Trust, and will connect Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link, and from Sydney to Cobar operated by Fly Pelican.
Extending the subsidy to November 2026 will keep these flights moving for the remote communities who rely on them for transporting essential workers, services and trades.
Under the subsidy agreement, Fly Pelican operate six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, and Air Link operate eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This funding from the Minns Government's Regional Development Trust is designed to support flights for the communities in Bourke, Cobar, Lightning Ridge and Walgett so that they can access regular and reliable services.
"Regional communities rely on air travel for its convenience and speed, to ensure they can get to health care or business appointments or bringing in visitors and workers.
"The NSW Government is building better services for our regional communities in smart and appropriate ways."
Far North West Joint Organisation Chair and Mayor of Cobar Shire Council Jarrod Marsden said:
"Cobar to Sydney flights have provided significant benefits to the region, and this extension will help our community maintain connection while delivering significant economic and social benefits.
"We appreciate the ongoing support from the NSW Government for the Western Air Services subsidy, which is vital to the ongoing sustainability of the region."
Mayor of Bourke Shire Council Lachlan Ford said:
"Regular air services are extremely beneficial to the residents of Bourke Shire and surrounding communities which often do not have ready access to many services and facilities like residents in bigger regional towns or metro areas.
"The extension to this subsidy means many local residents will continue to benefit from these air services either by travelling to regional centres, or from visiting service providers who travel into the region to conduct work."
Mayor of Walgett Shire Council Jasen Ramien said:
"It is great news that the services will continue until late 2026 as regional communities continue to navigate the lack of access to some services which is brought about by isolation and distance.
"The Far North West Joint Organisation covers some of the most remote and economically and socially disadvantaged communities of the state and the availability of regular air services has had a positive impact on reducing this disadvantage."
