One hundred per cent of attendees at tonight’s town meeting voted against deregulation of the Moree-Sydney Air Service Route.
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Last week, Transport for NSW consulted with Moree Plains Shire Council (MPSC) about possibly deregulating the route.
MPSC passed on the question to community members through a survey, which is still open, and planned a community meeting at the town hall for people to express their views.
Having just come from a council meeting, mayor Katrina Humphries was happy to confirm all councillors also voted to support regulation of Moree-Sydney.
The survey revealed more than 90 per cent of people, so far, were also against deregulation.
A large crowd of diverse community members shared their opinions on why deregulation would not suit.
“What worries me is how many elderly people in Moree use the service for medical reasons. We know Qantas can cater for their various needs but other airlines may be different,” Leonie said.
Other locals raised the concerns of viable numbers if two airlines were to try and compete.
“While it may be viable for one airline, it is not a very expanding route.”
Archie Karam simply said ‘no one wants it!’
“We are going to end up just like Narrabri. We simply have to stand up as a community, put our foot down and say we don’t want deregulation.”
Cr Humphries encouraged the community to write and call Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance sharing their personal thoughts and reasons on the matter.
Mr Constance email is andrew.constance@parliament.nsw.gov.au and number (02) 8574 5807.
The Moree Champion would also like to hear community members’ thoughts through email. Send your relevant arguments for again against deregulation to laini.kirkman@fairfaxmedia.com.au
More to come...