Agree that its not a good situation for those in the affected community's, however just to stir the pot a bit and considering that its all transport related.
If the Federal Government is prepare to (again) spend Millions of our dollars on the big three car makers in OZ then why can;t they address supporting rural community air links?
The big three make (generally) products that are not in demand by buyers...other than Government departments and fleet buyers where as rural community's depend on their air link.
Know where I'd like my tax money going to.