TRANSPORT for NSW has told Fairfax Media they would not compensate the loss of funds for Moree Plains Shire Council (MPSC) after Brindabella’s collapse last year.
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A spokesperson from the government agency has made it clear that the debt is a matter for Korda Mentha, the receivers of Brindabella Airlines.
“It is up to the operator with the respective licence, and the airport of council, to negotiate airport access on commercial terms,” the spokesperson said.
MPSC mayor, Katrina Humphries, said it should be Transport for NSW’s responsibility to compensate, due to the lack of community consultation on their behalf during the tender process in 2012.
“We had an air service contract with (Transport for NSW) which was done without community consultation and the community were not happy with the decision,” she said.
“Someone has to be accountable and it’s not fair it’s the ratepayers of Moree shire that have to pay for the Transport for NSW mistake.”
After Brindabella’s collapse in December, its total debts were $14 million according to accountants Rodger Reidy.
MPSC was owed more than $190,000 with Tamworth following closely behind at $130,000.
“If we had then refused landing rights, all people with an existing ticket would not have been able to travel and essentially would have paid for a service they wouldn’t have received, which would have been an unacceptable outcome for all involved,” Cr Humphries said.