Community engagement takes flight across Queensland to help improve regional air services

• The Crisafulli Government is engaging with local communities to gather feedback on the future of regulated regional air services.
• Crisafulli Government currently operates seven regulated and subsidised air routes to ensure Queenslanders stay connected.
• Consultation will start with face-to-face sessions this month and will continue in 2026.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by inviting regional communities to help chart the course of the next generation of regional aviation services across the State.

The Crisafulli Government currently subsidises and regulates seven air routes to ensure Queenslanders living in regional and remote communities can continue to have access to essential medical, educational, social, and business services.

Over the coming weeks, 22 consultation sessions will be hosted across regional Queensland to hear directly from locals about how future air services can better meet community needs.

The Crisafulli Government is also consulting with councils, industry stakeholders, and local MPs to ensure a broad range of perspectives inform the process.

The current contracts are due to expire in December next year, and consultation is an important step in the process of preparing for the next aviation service contracts.

Unlike the former Labor Government who abandoned regional Queensland, the Crisafulli Government is committed to listening to regional Queenslanders and delivering reliable, accessible and affordable transport options that best suit the community’s needs. 

This review process helps ensure contracts are appropriate for the future of the aviation sector across remote and regional areas, as well as evaluates operational capability, whether any regulatory and legislative reform is required.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was focused on keeping regional Queenslanders connected.

“Reliable, affordable, and accessible air services are a lifeline for regional and remote communities. They ensure Queenslanders can reach essential services, engage in business opportunities, and stay connected with family and culture,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“That’s why we’re listening closely to locals. Their feedback will help shape future aviation contracts, so these services are delivering in a way that meets community needs.

“We want every Queenslander - no matter where they live - to have confidence that there are transport options available to them, and this consultation is a critical step in delivering that.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Leonard-Jones 0484 620 899.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

More information on regional regulated air services is available online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/long-distance-air-services 

The Department for Transport and Main Roads will be engaging in-person across regional Queensland at the below locations:

Those unable to attend an in-person session are welcome to contact the Department via email to coordinate a phone/online session. Alternatively, feedback can be submitted via email to: regionalairservicesengagement@tmr.qld.gov.au