Regional aviation contracts on offer

Regional Queenslanders can expect improved flights and passenger services, with the Government calling for expressions of interest from air carriers interested in operating seven regulated regional air routes from 1 January 2015.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Invitation to Offer documentation is available online and delivers on key election commitments.

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services and we want the best value for money while still delivering quality air services to regional communities,” Mr Emerson said.

“We are also seeking innovative solutions to ensure these routes remain viable and aim to increase patronage growth in the coming years.

“The documentation outlines criteria that interested organisations must satisfy to be considered for contracts on these regulated air routes.

“Contracts on offer are for a period up to seven years.”

Mr Emerson said regulated contracts would be available on the following air routes, starting January 1, 2015:

• Brisbane-Toowoomba-St George-Cunnamulla-Thargomindah

• Brisbane-Toowoomba-Charleville-Quilpie-Windorah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Mt Isa

• Cairns-Normanton-Gununa-Burketown-Doomadgee-Mount Isa

• Townsville-Winton-Longreach

• Townsville-Hughenden-Richmond-Julia Creek-Mt Isa

• Brisbane-Roma-Charleville

• Brisbane-Blackall-Barcaldine-Longreach

“There has been strong interest from the aviation industry during recent briefings in Brisbane and Townsville,” he said.

Interested companies should log-on to the Queensland Government’s QTender website, download the Invitation to Offer (ITO) documents and submit them prior to the closing date on June 6.

In February 2014, the Queensland Government announced three regional air routes would be opened up for competition in 2015, an outcome of the long-distance passenger service review.

For more information, visit http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/regionalconnect

[ENDS] 5 May 2014

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625