PAGE MP Kevin Hogan, Lismore City mayor Steve Krieg and Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ian Tiley have called on the new Labor Government to extend the Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) program.
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Rex today confirmed the withdrawal of services from five regional centres including Lismore, Grafton and Ballina.
Flights to Lismore and Grafton will cease on June 30, coinciding with the end of the Federal Government's Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) program. The Ballina service will cease on July 2.
"Rex flights provide essential air links to the capital cities for medical, professional and other essential travel needs," Mr Hogan said.
"I have consistently fought for this program to ensure these flights could be sustained. It is now up to the new Government to show their support for our region."
"If the Labor Government do not provide this funding, we would risk not having any air services at all."
Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said as a regional city, it is important for Lismore to have airport services.
"Direct flights to and from Sydney are very important to the Lismore economy. Lismore hosts Southern Cross University, Lismore Base Hospital, regional law courts, regional sports facilities, large events, the tourist hotspot of Nimbin and a significant number of businesses that rely on the airport to stay connected," he said.
"The REX passenger flight services also provide jobs for local people such as check-in and baggage handling, cleaning, airport inspectors and refueler as well related service jobs."
Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ian Tiley said the withdrawal of the Rex service from Grafton and the Clarence Valley is most unwelcome news and a real blow to the businesses and people of the Valley.
"Rex were enticed in 2006 to commence regular services to Grafton. I was involved in those negotiations which included a reduction in the normal landing charges for the company. That concession I believe continues today," Mayor Tiley said.
"The future of the Clarence Valley airport is enhanced by recent announcements which could see the facility as the headquarters for Clarence emergency services. Other developments at airside are also possible in the future."
