There still has been no official confirmation from the Senate Inquiry into regional airline operations it is holding hearings in Cloncurry or when they might occur.
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The Senate committee investigating the operation, regulation and funding of air services to rural, regional and remote communities, is preparing to tour regional centres including the north west.
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell said the Inquiry had not formally told council it would host a hearing but he heard the ABC radio interview with Senator Barry O’Sullivan last week where he announced the inquiry would hold regional hearings in Cloncurry and Longreach.
“He’s the committee chair, he must hold a bit of sway,” Cr Campbell said.
Cr Campbell said the outcome would be very pleasing.
“We’ve been lobbying hard for the whole north west and given there is only a handful of hearings across the whole of northern Australia, Cloncurry has been able to secure one for the north west,” he said.
“It’s a real win for us, it’s a real win for the north west.”
READ ALSO: More submissions to the Inquiry
Meanwhile Mount Isa City Council has also welcomed the opportunity to argue the case for a fairer deal on regional airfares at upcoming Senate Committee hearings in regional Queensland.
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said the extreme cost of air services is a major issue for Mount Isa residents as well as potential investors.
“It is good to see that Canberra is taking this issue seriously and making the effort to get out to regions like ours that are heavily impacted,” Cr McCulloch said.
“Regardless of where or when the Senate committee chooses to meet, we will be there to argue the case loudly and firmly on behalf of our community.”
Cr McCulloch said Council had produced a comprehensive submission with a series of recommendations all aimed at bringing the price of airfares in the bush down to more affordable levels.
She said the submission was consistent with a Mount Isa City Council motion passed at the Australian Local Government Association annual conference in Canberra in June 2017, calling on the Australian Government “to ensure the cost of airfares and transport in remote and rural areas provides economic and affordable access to all residents.”
“The North West Minerals Province is at the headwaters of the Australian economy, generating the exports, the taxes and the royalties that help drive the rest of the country,” she said.
“Everyone you talk to out here will tell you we deserve a better deal and we won’t rest until that happens.”