Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Regional Express (REX) has announced the withdrawal of services from several regional centres, including Grafton, with flights to cease from June 30.
The date also coincides with the end of the Federal Governments Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) program, which was implemented to provide financial assistance to domestic commercial airlines, enabling them to continue servicing regional and remote areas of the country.
In a statement released on May 30, REX Deputy Chairman, the honourable John Sharp AM, said the withdrawal of a number of regional services is being made in an effort to improve REX’s financial performance.
Mr Sharp also claimed the well publicised predatory actions of Qantas on REX’s regional services have resulted in REX no longer having the ability to cross subsidise these marginal routes.
“REX has faithfully serviced most of these routes for 20 years, and some of them for more than 30 years by our predecessor Kendell and Hazelton,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that these regional communities are the collateral damage of the bullying and heartless behaviour of Qantas.
“This behaviour is all the more unconscionable after receiving over $2 billion in Federal bailouts over the past 2 years.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ian Tiley have called on the Labor Government to extend the RANS program which has enabled REX to continue operating within the local area.
Mr Hogan confirmed he has also contacted the new Minister for Transport Catherine King, and after consistently fighting for the RANS program to ensure flights in and out of the Clarence Valley could be sustained, he said it is now up to the new government to show their support for our region.
“REX provides an essential service to our communities,” he said.
“People rely on REX to travel to larger centres and cities for medical appointments and other essential needs.
“A regional centre the size of Grafton needs an airline.
“If the Labor Government don’t provide the funding, we risk not having any air services at all.”
Mr Hogan, who regularly flies with REX, said he is optimistic about the future of the airline in the Clarence Valley, and said he will continue to fight to ensure local communities do not lose a valuable asset.
Mr Tiley agreed with the Federal Member and said the announcement by REX is unwelcome news and a real blow to the businesses and people of the Clarence Valley.
Mr Tiley, who was involved in the initial negotiations to entice REX to commence regular services to and from Grafton in 2006, remains hopeful the Labor Government will make the right decision to show their support of regional centres.
The mayor also confirmed council will begin negotiations to entice another airline to commence services at the Clarence Valley Regional Airport if REX withdraw from the region.
The news has caused anger and frustration throughout the Clarence Valley.
President of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce Natasha Watkinson described the announcement by REX as an abandonment of the local region during a critical time of recovery following bushfires, floods, and a pandemic.
“It’s devastating news which affects local businesses and local employment,” she said.
“Regional communities like Grafton need an airline.
“It is an essential service, and now we’re at risk of losing it.”
Other regional centres set to lose the services of REX from June 30 include Bathurst, Lismore, and Kangaroo Island.
Services to Ballina will be terminated on July 2.
REX announced their remaining regional network will be closely monitored with the possibility of further adjustments to be announced in the coming months. The Clarence Valley Independent contacted REX and Qantas for comment and had not received a response from either airline at the time of publication.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 8 June 2022.
Related story: Rex adjusts regional network
