Mayors from across Western Queensland have expressed their disappointment in Rex’s decision and have called on the Queensland Government to deliver a solution as a matter of urgency.
These services provide a lifeline for many of our communities — from larger centres including Longreach, Mount Isa or St George, remote communities such as Birdsville and vulnerable communities such as Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Burketown and Normanton.
We can’t afford complacency or to wait for lengthy discussions. We need a workable solution now that ensures our communities remain connected to essential services that can be delivered in a timely manner.
Theseair connections mean we have a safety net to ensure not only vital services cancontinue but also our workforce and industries which pump $9.5 billion into theState’s economy.
We are also home to some of Queensland’s most vulnerable people — we can’t afford to risk people’s lives.
Using costly private air freight as a substitute is beyond reach for these small regions and road freight can take days to reach many of our communities.
Our communities deserve to have the security and peace of mind of knowing that there is a link that can provide essential services during this crisis, just like our mates on the coast and in SEQ.
The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils members include the councils of the North West Regional Organisation of Councils, the Central West Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board, and South West Queensland Local Government Association.
