Narrabri Chamber of Commerce has again voiced its concerns that the absence of a Narrabri air service is significantly costing the community and impeding growth.
“It has been a year since we had an air service” said Chamber of Commerce president Mr Russell Stewart.
“The cost to the community is substantial.
“Businesses will not come to Narrabri if there is no air service, business and other passengers are facing higher costs of travel to Tamworth or Moree.
“The longer we go without a Sydney air service the more it is costing us as a community.”
Mr Stewart said Tuesday night’s chamber meeting reflected the ‘concern and exasperation’ of members.
The chamber voted that Mr Stewart and deputy chamber president Mr Ian Duffey seek an urgent meeting with the shire council general manager Mr Glenn Inglis and the mayor Cr Conrad Bolton to express the chamber’s views and see what can be done to help expedite the return of an air service.
“Chamber members are really concerned and feel that the longer we go without an airline the less likely we are to get one” Mr Stewart said.
“We are really losing business and opportunities in Narrabri and the shire.”
Mr Stewart said the chamber’s previous letter to the former Transport Minister Mrs Berejiklian ‘went unanswered.’
“We felt we were basically snubbed. We couldn’t get a response.”
The chamber members had ‘a vigorous discussion’ on Tuesday he said.
“Members want answers.
“Our businesses can’t afford not to have an airline, and new businesses won’t establish here.”