Narrabri shire announced in September Northwest Airlines and JetGo had both submitted expressions of interest for the Narrabri to Sydney route, but yesterday said neither bid could be accepted at this stage.

“The Narrabri region is at a point where it is imperative that the next ... provider that operates the (town’s) Sydney air route has the confidence of local and regional passengers,” mayor Conrad Bolton said.

He said some of the concerns included questions around operators certificates and a request from one of the airlines for financial incentives “well in excess of what is already being offered”.

“Additionally, one submission proposed using an aircraft which would require a security upgrade to the Narrabri airport terminal building, which could cost in excess of $200,000,” Cr Bolton said.

“This sort of cost burden needs to be carefully considered by council.”

Cr Bolton said they had also been advised that the “prime time spots” were not available at Sydney airport until the new scheduling period started on March 27 next year.

“Although an airline can apply for an off-peak slot into Sydney, this would put a financial burden on a new airline and could compromise their viability. This is something we want to avoid,” he said.

Council has now resolved to authorise the mayor and general manager to start further discussions with Northwest Airlines and JetGo, and any other potential service providers, “in relation to establishing acceptable conditions of operation”.

Cr Bolton said the panel overseeing the process included an independent aviation expert who was ensuring “due diligence” was followed throughout the assessments.

“Such an important decision is not ‘cut and dried’. Ultimately council holds the community’s best interests at the core of this decision and we are one step closer to securing a committed and reliable airline,” he said.