Cr Barry Hughes, NWQROC Chair

With this my final column contribution for the year, I want start by acknowledging the hard work and determination of the many people, organisations and leaders across the region and beyond who have worked with NWQROC in 2025 to keep our part of the state moving forward.

Local leaders from across North West Queensland have welcomed the announcement that Air T Inc has signed a Sale and Implementation Deed to purchase Regional Express (REX) Airlines, marking a positive step toward enhanced certainty for regional air services.

NWQROC Chair Cr Barry Hughes, said the announcement by the federal government last week regarding Rex Airlines is a welcome step toward in ensuring regional routes are maintained in the short term, but added that the frustration of the protracted sale process and disruption experienced by communities cannot continue indefinitely.