Subsidised flights to Western NSW will mean that remote communities in the region will have access to affordable travel.

The NSW Government announced it would subsidise flights until November 2025, meaning rates for flights from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge and from Sydney to Cobar would remain low.

An audit is also under way of remote and rural airstrips to identify those in most need of repair or upgrade Under the Regional Development Trust’s $15m airstrips improvement package.

General Manager of Walgett Shire Council, Megan Dixon said the news was most welcome in her corner of the state.

“This is a really important service. From our perspective at Council it means that we can fly consultants up from Dubbo, and support our staff members when needed through things like emergency healthcare.

“An example of this would be last year when were able to fly in face-to-face trauma care for staff members.It’s much more effective to do that.Tele-health is available but it doesn’t have the same impact,” Mrs Dixon said.

Image: Air Link Airlines

Regional NSW and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty says air travel is an easily accessible convenience for metropolitan residents but “not so easy” for western NSW.

“This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on,” she said.

Independent MP for Barwon, Roy Butler concurred, saying that flights in the remote corners of the state were a necessity, not a luxury.