United NWQ voice ready for take-off ahead of review
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 the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) in 2025 to keep our part of the state moving forward.
This month, the start of community consultations for the Queensland Government’s review of regulated air services has rightly captured the attention of councils, industry and communities across our region
Reliable, affordable air services are not a luxury – they are essential to liveability, economic opportunity and basic access to services.
I encourage everyone to contribute at an in-person session or providing their comment via the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) consultation email or survey.
“A strong future for our region depends on a review that is comprehensive and forward-looking. ”
With current regional air service contracts due to expire in December 2026, this marks just the starting point of the opportunity to shape the expectations for air services in our region.
North West Queensland must have its voice heard clearly through this review. That includes communities like Burketown, Doomadgee, Kowanyama and Mount Isa, which are not currently included in the state’s consultation sessions.
This is more than disappointing from a massive department like TMR. The realities of air travel in the north and far north demands more than a quick check-in. They require genuine engagement, on-the-ground understanding, and a willingness from government to consider all options.
A strong future for our region depends on a review that is comprehensive and forward-looking.
Value for money is important, but so too is ensuring that residents, workers, businesses and services can rely on accessible and reliable flights.
Our powerhouse region is ramping up. CopperString and critical mineral projects are moving ahead, and tourism investment interest is building, and that’s just the start.
These opportunities cannot be realised without dependable, well-priced air service.
There are practical solutions already on the table. Adding Georgetown and Croydon to the regulated routes would address significant inequity, with residents currently travelling up to 300 kilometres to reach an airport – or facing a five-hour drive to Cairns.
No Queenslander should have to stare down a full day’s travel just to access essential medical care, education, government appointments or the chance to visit family.
Affordability as well as accessibility must also be front and centre.
Many North West residents face one-way fares of more than $500. Meanwhile the south-east enjoys heavily subsidised 50 cent fares, as well as interstate flights which can cost less than half of our regional tickets. It’s clear the playing field isn’t level.
How is our region expected to get ahead, attract workers, or grow industry with these conditions?
Our councils are doing their part, maintaining airports at significant cost, often with minimal revenue and little targeted support. It is a balancing act that cannot continue indefinitely without stronger partnership and fairer funding arrangements.
Alongside aviation, there are other regional service pressures that deserve equal attention - including fatigue management shortages which are forcing intermittent closures of rural health clinics across the region.
This is not just a staffing challenge; it is a resourcing issue with real consequences, especially for an ageing population who rely heavily on accessible primary health care. These closures place additional pressure on transport and families, and further highlight why dependable air services remain critical.
As we move into 2026, NWQROC will continue pushing for fair, equitable and future-ready transport and services for our region. The North West has enormous potential – but to unlock it, we need government to recognise the realities we face and invest accordingly.
As we head into the wet season, I encourage everyone to take steps to ensure you are prepared and informed. Check your local council disaster dashboards, review your household plans, stay connected to official updates, and look out for neighbours and those who may need support.
Thank you once again to all who have contributed to the strength and progress of our region throughout the year. I wish every community a safe and enjoyable festive season, and I look forward to continuing this important work together in 2026.
