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 their eligible community 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, 144 KB)
• 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, 171 KB)

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 in Cape York, Gulf of Carpentaria or Torres Strait community 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.

Steps for booking your flight

Step 1 — Apply for your Letter of Eligibility

Visit your local council and demonstrate (your local council will set requirements) that you have lived locally for a minimum of 3 years. If approved, your council will issue you a Letter of Eligibility. Contact your local council for more information. 

If you have lost your Letter of Eligibility contact your local council for a replacement.

Step 2 — Buy your ticket

Visit your local ticketing agent to buy your ticket. 

Bookings can be made on behalf of family members if each family member has a Letter of Eligibility.

To access discounted flights through the Local Fare Scheme you must:

• present photo ID
• provide your Letter of Eligibility
• book a return flight from an eligible airport through the local ticketing agent
• complete travel by 30 June 2019. Please note: Eligible residents of Doomadgee, Mornington Island and Weipa Town Authority, may book flights any time, but travel will need to be completed by 31 August 2018 as access to this scheme is currently a trial.
• advise the ticketing agent the reason for travel

Eligible airports

See below for eligible airports within each region and council contact details.

Cape York

Gulf of Carpentaria

Torres Strait

Step 3 — Travel

• Turn up for the flight
• Present photo ID

Depending on the type of fare you have booked you will need to contact your ticketing agent if you miss your flight or need to change it. 

If you miss more than 2 flights within a 12 month period you may not be able to receive any further discounted flights. 

For more information about the Local Fare Scheme email: aviation@translink.com.au.