That’s just one of 21 recommendations issued in a review of regional air services, tabled in state parliament yesterday. 

Special slots at the airport could also be reserved for regional communities to ensure better access. 

The responsibility for regional air services could be shifted from the state transport portfolio, which mainly focuses on metropolitan transport, to the Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services.

“There are some sensible and practical measures recommended by the inquiry that will help ensure regional aviation is properly recognised as an essential service for country areas,” Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.

He was instrumental in setting up the inquiry into regional air services late last year after venting frustration over services provided by QantasLink. 

The inquiry, chaired by Rick Colless, received 65 submissions, including one from Armidale Dumaresq Council, and conducted inquiries in regional centres such as Tamworth. 

Changes in the aviation sector led to a 37 per cent fall in the number of regional centres that have regular passenger transport services. 

“It is important that the government takes action now to guard against any further loss,” Mr Colless said. 

The inquiry was tasked with probing the financial management and viability of air services to regional centres, costs associated with accessing Sydney airport and the economic impact air services have on regional communities and development potential. 

The inquiry recommended the current “hub and spoke” model, where travellers move between airports not served by direct flights and change planes en route to their destinations, be re-examined, especially in light of concerns the model worked against many regional airlines. 

“Furthermore, the committee recommends the NSW government urges the minister to consider the impact of security and safety regulations on regional airports and encourage the adoption of a risk management approach,” the report said. 

“The minister will also be asked to provide funding to support regulatory change that requires upgrades to be made to infrastructure.”