Attendees were asked if they were for or against a possible deregulation of Moree-Sydney Air Service, on behalf of Transport for NSW.

One hundred per cent voted against deregulation and were passionate in voicing their many reasons.

Moree vet, Charlie Bunce said regulated suited his family as they often flew internationally, booking all flights directly through Qantas.

“We don’t even have to look at other airlines, we book all flights through Qantas.

“We also don’t want to end up like Narrabri, deregulated without any air service,” he said.

Businessman Theo Zannes honestly said the Moree-Sydney route was, at time, expensive.

“But we’re already regulated; It’s not broken so don’t try and fix it,” he said.

A crowd member shared his personal, and unpleasant, experience flying in New Zealand on a deregulated route.

“The carrier just cancelled the flight and said ‘you’re can wait around in the airport for another six or seven hours’.

“We need regulation and to be fair to Qantas 34,000 seats is probably not enough to be flying so we have to wear the prices if we want the service and we definitely want the service.”

Leonie shared her concerns for the region’s ill, elderly and disabled who regularly fly to Sydney for medical reasons.

“Other second-rate airlines may not cater for these people and if they don’t, what will happen to them? They need ongoing medical services that are not available out here.”

Chair of Pius-X Aboriginal Corporation Cathy Duncan said a regulated service meant more security for specialists who fly to Moree.

“If we have a second-rate air service will our specialist come?” she said.

Archie Karam urged the whole community to join as one, loud voice to Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance.

“The community has got to get behind this, the whole lot has to stand up and say we don’t want it.” Mayor Katrina Humphries said Moree was a hub for towns such as Goondiwindi, St George, Walgett, and Narrabri.