WEDNESDAY:
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Local residents are set to benefit from special rates offered as new air services take to western NSW skies next month.
With the support of the NSW government and the Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO), the airlines are able to offer a 'local fare'.
The local fare price for Cobar to Sydney is $249 one way, and the Dubbo to Cobar local fare price is $129 one way.
The fare is available for local residents of the FNWJO with six seats available on all flights and within 24 hours of departure all remaining seats available at the local fare price.
The FNWJO has also classified Bewarrina Shire postcodes as local.
1.15PM:
The mayors of the Far North West Joint Organisation's (FNWJO) three member councils have applauded the return of passenger air services to their patch, made possible with $8 million in funding from the NSW government.
FNWJO chairwoman and Cobar mayor Lilliane Brady OAM said the communities of Bourke, Cobar and Walgett shires each welcomed the convenience of being able to board a flight in their own backyard at affordable rates, with special prices for locals.
The deal puts Dubbo at hub of the new services, with more flights into and out of the city's airport as a result.
"The Far North West Joint Organisation received $8 million in funding from the NSW government for this project," Cr Brady said.
"On behalf of my fellow mayors, I must say how appreciative we all are to the NSW government for its significant financial support."
Cr Brady said she looked forward to FlyPelican offering flights between Cobar and Dubbo, as well as direct services between Cobar and Sydney.
"I am excited about the availability of flights via FlyPelican, both departing and arriving at Cobar," she said.
"There will be flights from Sydney to Cobar in the morning and return services from Cobar to Sydney in the afternoon, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays."
"In addition to direct flights to Sydney, flights between Cobar and Dubbo will operate on Mondays and Thursdays.
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"I encourage the community to get on board with well-priced fares for locals, which we worked hard to achieve."
1PM:
Commercial passenger flights will return to north-western NSW from next month, bringing more services operating through Dubbo's airport.
A deal struck by the NSW government and the Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) is giving access to residents of towns, some of which have not seen regular passenger services for more than a decade.
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Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall on Tuesday joined FNWJO chairman and Cobar Shire mayor Lilliane Brady at Cobar's airport to announce FlyPelican and Dubbo-based Airlink would operate 26 new services each week.
It would link Bourke, Cobar, Walgett and Lightning Ridge to Dubbo, and Cobar to Sydney.
Mr Marshall said it was a red-letter day for the west and the air services would make a huge difference to the lives of locals, many of whom hadn't had access to regular passenger services for more than a decade.
"It's been 12 long years since passenger flights last touched down in Walgett and Bourke, which is far too long," Mr Marshall said.
"Country people deserve the same access to transport services as their city counterparts and these new air services will go a long way towards leveling that playing field.
"Better access to air services means improved opportunities for people to travel to other parts of the state to be with loved ones and access jobs, education and healthcare.
"Right now, anyone wanting to get to Sydney are driving four hours from Cobar to Dubbo just to get on a one hour flight.
"From next month, they'll be able to hop onto a direct flight to Sydney, which will make a massive difference to people's lives."
Councillor Brady said the return of passenger flights showed Joint Organisations and the NSW Government were working together to deliver much needed, convenient and reliable services for the rural communities they serve.
"Our member councils worked together to negotiate a fantastic outcome for our communities, including discounted fares for locals that will make these services both affordable and convenient for locals," Cr Brady said.
"I'm very excited the JO has negotiated not only flights from the various western region localities, but also achieved direct flights to and from Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport into Cobar, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our Joint Organisation."
Air Link general manager Ron O'Brien said passengers flying return to Walgett and Bourke would save up to six hours travelling time on a return journey, while the Lightning Ridge service would be a key tourism driver for the iconic outback town.
"For the past 40 years I've been passionate about linking communities in regional NSW with Australia's major cities and I'm incredibly excited that Air Link will be servicing these new routes," Mr O'Brien said.
FlyPelican CEO Paul Graham said the airline expected Sydney to Cobar would be a popular route for the mining industry, with the first flight scheduled to take off from Sydney bound for Cobar on 24 September 2019.
"FlyPelican is proud to be able to provide these vital air services that will connect the families, friends and businesses of the Cobar district," Mr Graham said.
FlyPelican will operate from its fleet of Jetstream 32 aircraft, seating up to 19 passengers and two pilots for round trips between Cobar/Dubbo on Monday and Thursday and Cobar/Sydney on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Air Link services will fly seven-passenger seat Chieftain aircraft on round trips to Dubbo/Bourke on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Dubbo/Walgett on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and Walgett/Lightning Ridge on Tuesday and Thursday.
Flights have been scheduled to allow ample time for passengers to transfer to connecting flights from Dubbo to Sydney.
The NSW Government provided $8 million to ensure routes remain sustainable and affordable for locals, businesses and tourists.
MORE TO COME