THE NSW government is calling for expressions of interest to expand air services to remote communities including Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke.
Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries said a study commissioned by the NSW government has found there is demand for commercial air services to fly into these remote communities.
About six years ago Air link stopped servicing western towns such as Bourke to maintain its base at Dubbo.
General manager Bourke, Ross Earl said when the air service stopped it had an impact on the community, tourism, visitors and medical practitioners.
Bourke is a four hour drive from Dubbo and eight hour drive from Sydney.
"This would mean more productive hours for health professionals that now drive down and back in a day," Mr Earl said.
Mr Humphries said the NSW Liberals and Nationals were extremely committed to looking at ways they could break down the tyranny of distance that affects many people living in our far-western communities.
"A key part of this commitment is to look at ways we can return commercial air services to any western community that has both a big enough population and is far enough away from an existing airport to sustain a feasible air route," Mr Humphries said.
"Transport for NSW and a specialist aviation consultant have worked with these local communities to assess potential demand for expanded air services, which will now be provided to commercial airlines for their consideration.
"The study found there is commercial interest in establishing routes out of regional centres such as Dubbo, twice a day, three days a week.
"The NSW Government has now called for Expressions of Interest for the proposed western routes, which will close on April 1, 2015."
Mr Humphries said remote communities across Western NSW have called for the restoration of air services since commercial services to Bourke and Walgett were cancelled in December 2008.
"Remote communities rely on air services for access to specialised services in areas such as health and education, and a number of communities in Western NSW were seriously impacted by the cancellation of services in 2008," Mr Humphries said.
Mr Earl said getting an air service would only accelerate the health services, business and tourism in Bourke and surrounding areas.
With the plan to service Bourke twice a day, three times a week, Mr Earl said once that was established he hoped it could only grow.
"We have a very good maintained airstrip and the air terminal is less than 10 years old, and good refuelling facilities.
"Its all there, we just need the air service and were good to go."
He said there had been inquiry from companies in regards to the facilities at the airstrip.
"We are so grateful for the work that has been put into this," he said.
"As a community we would love to see it up and running as soon as possible," he said.
With applications closing on April 1, Mr Earl said depending on how long the assessment process takes its possible the service will be up and running by the next finical year if not sooner.
"It will link in with transport to Sydney getting quicker access to other major capital cities."
Mr Humphries said NSW Liberals and Nationals have listened to the concerns and were committed to improving remote communities by reinstating air services to these areas.
"This is a very positive step towards a return to air services to Western NSW."
