Flights to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge assured for another year

Air Link Airlines General Manager Ron O’Brien said he is thrilled with the NSW government’s decision to continue funding for these essential air routes. Photo TWH

The councils of Bourke and Walgett are celebrating the announcement that the NSW government will continue to fund air services connecting Dubbo with Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge – until at least November 2025.

General Manager of Bourke Shire council Leonie Brown said the announcement was fantastic news for the Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge regions.

“We are very excited that this funding has been provided to allow the continuation of these critical air services,” Mr Brown said.

“In August, retiring Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman represented the Far North West Joint Organisation of Councils in Sydney in to lobby the Minister Tara Moriarty  for the continuation of this service and that lobbying certainly paid off.”

Mrs Brown thanked the government and the minister for supporting this important service.

“Subsidised air travel is vital for the delivery of essential services such as health, childcare, justice, family and community services, with doctors, specialists, nurses and social workers among the frequent fliers travelling to and from Western NSW,” she said.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said that western Air Services flights provide people in remote areas with much-needed access to health services, social engagements, and major economic benefits to our primary industries.

“For many people in my electorate these flights are not a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially given the vast distances people need to cover in the west of the state.” […]

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