Third flight a glaring omission from regional transport contracts

Following the renewal of regional transport service contracts state-wide, Balonne Shire Council is calling on the Queensland Government and Translink to honour their commitment to provide a third weekly air service to St George.

While Council is grateful that existing coach and air services will remain consistent, the Balonne community has been asking for the third air service for the past decade – a need which is yet to be met by the State Government, the regulator of all air and coach routes to the region.

The State Government has previously made a commitment to Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole, to look at all possible approaches to deliver a third weekly air service.

However, there is no indication of the much-needed additional service in the recent announcement of renewed five-year regional transport service contracts.

Mayor O’Toole said she is frustrated by the lack of State Government action on this commitment.

“The Queensland Government and Translink have not honoured a commitment they made to myself and my fellow mayors of the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils,” she said.

“That commitment was to look at all possible approaches, including out-of-the-box approaches, to deliver Balonne Shire with a third weekly air service.

“A third weekly air service is something our community has been consistently asking for over the past 10 years, and I feel our genuine need for improved air service is being ignored.”

Among the refreshed regional transport service contracts are five routes servicing the Balonne Shire: one air service and four coach routes. These are:

• Western 1 air route (Brisbane-Toowoomba-St George-Cunnamulla-Thargomindah), retained by Regional Express.
• Toowoomba-St George (via Moonie Hwy) coach route, awarded to Murrays.
• Toowoomba-St George (via Gore Hwy) coach route, awarded to Murrays.
• St George-Cunnamulla coach route, awarded to Murrays.
• St George-Lightning Ridge coach route, awarded to Murrays.

Council is appreciative to both operators for maintaining current services to the Balonne Shire, ensuring consistency and reliability for the residents who rely on them.

Mayor O’Toole welcomed new operators Murrays, and expressed thanks to long-time coach service provider, Bus Queensland.

“As a Council, we appreciate the importance of a competitive tender process, and congratulate Murrays on winning the contracts for coach services,” she said.

“We welcome you to the Balonne and look forward to having a continued coach service.

“I would like to thank Bus Queensland for their support of our communities during their many years as the carrier on these routes.

"Not only did the company provide a valued service, but their sponsorship of local sporting clubs and community groups will always be appreciated.”

Regional Express will continue flying to St George, and Council will continue to advocate for the third weekly flight.

“Our air connection is such a valuable service for the community,” Mayor O’Toole said.

“While I am grateful we will retain our two flights, Balonne needs three flights a week; for the benefit of residents, tourists, visiting businesspeople, and our local economy.

“This is something I will keep asking for, on behalf of all residents in the Balonne Shire.”

The new Queensland Government regional transport service contracts will commence during December and January, as per individual agreements between the State Government and carriers.