Qantaslink have given up the fight for the Moree to Sydney air service.
QANTASLINK has confirmed it will not take further action over losing a contract to operate a regular flight service from Moree to Sydney. This is despite strong community support for the carrier.
Late last year Brindabella Airlines was awarded the contract.
A number of community meetings were held for local residents to have their say on the change.
Residents were outraged community input was not originally taken into account when the decision to award Brindabella the contract was made.
While the meetings demonstrated Qantaslink had strong community support, the company confirmed it would not refer the Department of Transport’s decision to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal.
State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries delivered the news last week.
Mr Humphries said Qantaslink was very grateful for the support it received from the community.
“I would like to congratulate them on the 20-year plus service they have given to our region,” he said.
Mr Humphries said issues raised by the community in relation to Brindabella, involving its reputation and baggage limits, had been recognised.
“I look forward to these being addressed in due course,” he said.
He acknowledged the contract process was not inclusive of direct community input and said that was not intentional by any party.
Mr Humphries said the process had been rectified for future tenders.
“Our efforts now need to focus on supporting an emerging regional airline in the form of Brindabella, who will operate 30 seat Jetstream aircraft on the route in accordance with licence conditions,” Mr Humphries said.
