Dubbo business owners and community members are being invited to push for an overhaul of charges at the city's airport, which an airline says could lower fares on Sydney services and spur on economic activity.
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Regional Express (Rex) said there would be a $60 reduction in its minimum ticket cost between Dubbo and the NSW capital if Dubbo Regional Council changed its approach. Rex went on the front foot on Friday, its leaders hosting an event to put its case to the community.
Rex deputy chairman John Sharp AM said it could lower the cost of airline tickets "significantly" if the council would increase the head tax by the CPI only, and if it would remove the cost of security screening for its aircraft, not required under federal legislation.
The council previously rejected Rex's calls for a "community fare partnership".
Then in August it exhibited its draft master plan for the airport.
Mr Sharp said Rex had made a response and wanted to present its case to the broader community about "why Dubbo ought to be actually enjoying lower airfares, not higher airfares".
Community fare partnerships, which operate in 15 regional centres and will be introduced to Port Lincoln it was announced on Friday, would lower the cost of travel and encourage more people to fly, he said.
"So as soon as we get this in place, there will be increased activity at the airport, more passengers and in the end, that means more revenue for Dubbo," Mr Sharp said.
Mr Sharp urged the community to lobby the council for community fare partnership, so the airline could "take airfares down from the minimum as they are now from $179 down to $119".
Council CEO Michael McMahon said the council would always work with airlines servicing Dubbo to ensure visitors and residents had the safest journey possible.
The council was taking responsible action to ensure ratepayers were not left to compensate asset renewal, he said.
Safety was the most important thing for the airport's passengers, which was why the screening was utilised, he said.
"Due to the large number of passengers, and the varying airlines using the airport, [the] council is also adhering to regulations that ensure we have some of the best and safety facilities in regional NSW," he said.