Call for Stronger Engagement in Future of Regional Air Services

Published on 31 October 2025

Maranoa Regional Council has taken a leadership role in championing stronger engagement for Queensland’s regional air services, tabling a motion that received unanimous support from all 77 councils at the 129th Annual Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference.

 The motion, titled “Strengthening Council Engagement in the Review of Regulated Air Service Contracts in Queensland,” calls on the Queensland Government to ensure the scheduled 2026 review of regulated air service contracts is conducted with early, comprehensive and meaningful engagement. 

Council’s proposal urges that the review include affected communities, councils, industries, service users and other stakeholders — providing genuine opportunities to shape the scope of the review and raise key concerns. It also emphasises the need for a more extensive and future-focused process than previous reviews.

 Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Chair for Airports, Cr Cameron O’Neil, said the strong endorsement across the state highlights how critical reliable air services are to regional Queensland. 

“Air connectivity is essential for communities like ours — it supports local business, tourism, health and education. The unanimous support for our motion shows that councils across Queensland share our view that future air service contracts must be informed by the people, communities and industries who rely on them every day.”

Maranoa Regional Council remains committed to advocating for fit-for-purpose air services that strengthen connections, improve access, and reflect the needs of the communities they serve.