Local Fare Scheme – Airfare subsidy for regional and remote Queensland

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http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/6/20/discount-flight-scheme-extended

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Discount flight scheme extended

Flights in remote communities will remain more affordable thanks to the Palaszczuk Government's 12-month extension of the Local Fare Scheme (LFS) for residents of Doomadgee, Mornington Island and Weipa.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to providing affordable travel options for residents living in isolated areas.

"The Local Fare Scheme was cut by the former LNP Government and reinstated by the Palaszczuk Labor Government," Ms Lui said.

"Keeping local airfares affordable is another way this budget delivers access to essential services for Queenslanders.

"Travelling to health and education facilities shouldn't break the bank, even if that requires you to fly to a nearby community.

"Many remote towns in the Far North are a whole day's drive from regional centres such as Mt Isa, so reduced flight costs really are a lifeline."

Ms Lui said more than 900 flights had been taken using the Local Fares discount since it had been introduced to Doomadgee, Mornington Island and Weipa.

"Local Councils have issued almost 2000 letters of eligibility so far, so we expect the total number of flights to increase as residents take advantage of the extension," Ms Lui said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was extending access until June 2019.

"Under the Local Fare Scheme, eligible locals can make significant savings of up to $400 per return flight for travel between the LFS aiports," Mr Bailey.

"I'd like to commend Cynthia Lui for her strong advocacy to ensure this vital program continues".

To qualify for discounted flights, local residents require a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) from their local council or authority, which proves they have been a resident of eligible Local Fare Scheme areas for a minimum of three years.

For more information about the LFS flights including a complete list of communities included in the scheme, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Local-Fare-Scheme-Far-North-Queensland.aspx

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https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Local-Fare-Scheme-Far-North-Queensland.aspx

Local Fare Scheme – Airfare subsidy for regional and remote Queensland

The Local Fare Scheme is an airfare subsidy that aims to improve the standard of living of local residents in regional and remote Queensland communities by making air travel to neighbouring communities more affordable.

The airfare subsidy is available to local residents who have lived in a Local Fare Scheme region for 3 or more years. Residents may receive a discount of up to $400 for return airfare bookings when travelling between the following airports:

    Cape York: Aurukun, Coen, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Northern Peninsula, Pormpuraaw and Weipa. Map of local air routes (PDF, 1.67 MB)
    Gulf of Carpentaria: Doomadgee and Mornington Island. Map of local air routes (PDF, 128 KB)
    Torres Strait: Horn (Ngurupai), Badu, Talbot (Boigu), Coconut (Poruma), Darnley (Erub), Mabuiag, Kubin, Murray (Mer), Saibai, Sue (Warraber), Yam (Iama) and Yorke (Masig) Islands. Map of local air routes (PDF, 1 MB)

To be eligible for the scheme, local residents will be required to provide a letter from their local council to prove they have been a resident of a Local Fare Scheme Region for a minimum of 3 years.

Conditions

    Up to $400 discount for return travel, including GST; up to $200 discount is applied to each one way fare, including GST. Minimum fare payable is $99 each way, including GST, plus booking fees.
    Residents must book return travel, one way flights not eligible.
    Residents must apply for a Letter of Eligibility through their local council before booking discounted fares under the Local Fare Scheme.
    Discounted airfares under the scheme are only available through a local ticketing agent.
    Discount applies at the airline's discretion.
    Discount cannot be applied to entry level airfares or tactical sale fares.
    Fare rules are in accordance with the fare type booked, set by airlines.
    Discount is for personal air travel only, not for employer paid or government use.
    Not to be used in conjunction with any other government travel subsidy.
    Use is limited to 12 times per financial year, per person.
    Only for use on scheduled air services to selected communities in Cape York, Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait.
    Not for use on charter services.
    Transport and Main Roads can change any aspect of the scheme at any time, including but not limited to discount amount, community scope, seat availability and eligibility requirements.

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https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1245113239886680064

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https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92415

Government Statement

Discount flight scheme extended
16th June 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering more affordable travel to Far North Queensland residents with a one-year extension of the Local Fare Scheme.

The scheme provides a discount of up to $400 for a return fare for eligible residents in Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait, facilitating affordable travel for access to health, education and allied services while promoting social and recreational connections.

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said almost 100,000 trips had been taken on the scheme since the Palaszczuk Government reintroduced it in July 2015, equating to a total investment of about $17 million into these communities.

"We're pleased to be able to provide assurance to residents in these communities that travel will remain affordable until at least 30 June 2022," Ms Lui said.

"This Budget is all about ensuring Queenslanders continue to have access to essential services, and extending the Local Fare Scheme is part of the Palaszczuk Government's COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

"Many remote towns in the Far North are a whole day's drive from regional centres such as Mt Isa and Cairns, so reduced flight costs really are a lifeline."

Transport and Main Road Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government's $54.5 million Essential Transport Services Package kept Far North Queensland travel operators afloat when COVID-19 hit.

"The Essential Transport Services Package kept planes in the sky, buses on the roads, and boats in the water across Far North Queensland," Mr Bailey said.

"These are critical services helping get health workers to remote communities and residents to essential services.

"QantasLink, Regional Express (Rex), and Skytrans flights, Thursday Island ferries, and Cairns bus services were all given support.

"And we'll be extending this support, with a further $16.3 million until the end of 2021, to make sure they keep going."

Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, welcomed the extension.

"Safe, accessible and affordable transport options increase opportunities to access employment and social and cultural support services, including health and education," Mr Stephen AM said.

"We're thrilled to hear the Local Fare Scheme has been extended for another 12 months because it means so much more to these communities than simply cheaper flights.

"I encourage all residents of these communities to have a look at the criteria and apply for the scheme if they believe they may be eligible."

To qualify for discounted flights, local residents require a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) from their local council or authority, which proves they have been a resident of eligible Local Fare Scheme areas for a minimum of three years.

For more information about the LFS flights including a complete list of communities included in the scheme, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Local-Fare-Scheme-Far-North-Queensland.aspx

ENDS