The council is faced with an annual bill of slightly more than $800,000 - determined by a tender process - for the provision of security screening, a process enforced by federal government legislation.

The provision of a sterile and non-sterile waiting area not only increases the cost on the ratepayers of Dubbo it also creates a clunky, impractical system.

This refusal to pay by Rex has drawn the attention of Australian Airports Association's chief executive Caroline Wilkie who said Australian airports serviced by Rex and other regional airlines must be maintained to an appropriate standard to comply with regulatory requirements as well as to ensure that passengers have adequate services

Last night's Dubbo City Council meeting [which is to be held after this paper goes to press] will play a significant part in this disagreement.

The council must hold its ground to protect the ratepayers.

Dubbo will welcome more than 150 new students when orientation week begins today before the start of the 2013 academic year the following Monday.

As a city we should welcome these new students and encourage them to make the most of what we have to offer as a uni campus and as a regional centre.

Beginning their tertiary education will be students in the faculties of arts, business, education and science.

We're sure they will make a great contribution.