REGIONAL CITIES WELCOME SYDNEY AIRPORT REFORM

Image courtesy Dubbo Regional Council

Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) has welcomed the reforms to Sydney Airport announced by the Federal Government, saying they are a vital step to improving regional connectivity.

The Hon Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government recently announced significant changes to how slots will be managed at Sydney Airport to require the Slot Manager to consider giving priority to regional New South Wales (NSW) airlines during peak periods.

“Regional connectivity, particularly a well-functioning, reliable and affordable aviation network, is critical to the growth and development of regional NSW,” Regional Cities NSW Chair and Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Cr Mathew Dickerson explained.

 The proposed reforms also allow regional NSW services to apply to use any slot during new peak period hours.

 “Regional Cities NSW welcomes the reforms announced by the Federal Government and the opportunity to increase regional slots over and above what is currently available” Cr Dickerson said.

 Regional Cities NSW Chair Cr Mathew Dickerson said “Unfortunately too many regional flights have been cancelled or bumped lately, and it’s great to see the Government taking steps to address the issue.”

 The Federal Government will also introduce independent audits of slot usage to crack down on anti-competitive behaviour and require airlines to provide information about the reasons for cancellations or delays.

 “Introducing new levels of transparency about how slots are used and the reasons for cancellations or delays will deliver better outcomes for regional travellers,” Regional Cities NSW Chair and Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Cr Mathew Dickerson concluded.