The tyranny of distance – such a normal part of life for many remote western communities – is being practically and effectively reduced by a year-long extension of a scheme subsidising air travel in the region.

The NSW Government recently announced new funding of the initiative for another 12 months for commercial flights to and from some of our most remote communities, aiming to “better connect people and businesses across regional NSW”.

The $2 million investment will connect Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge on flights operated by Air Link, and also from Sydney to Cobar on planes from the FlyPelican group, Far North West Joint Organisation Chair and Cobar Mayor, 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,” Cr Marsden said.

“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,” he added.

Extending the subsidy to November next year should ensure that these routes remain open to the small townships that rely on them for transporting essential workers, services and trades, Bourke Shire Mayor 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,” Cr Ford believes.

“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,” he revealed.

Under the subsidy agreement, Fly Pelican will continue to operate six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, and Air Link will operate eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge, Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien explained.

“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,” Cr Ramien said.

“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,” he concluded.