"..what would QANTASLINK use to get into Mornington Island, Normanton ect?"
Mornington, Normanton, Doomagee and Burketown are not included in the Queensland Transport subsidised or protected air routes.
From memory, the Queensland protected air routes are as follows:
1. State Licensed, non subsidised:
Cairns - Weipa
Cairns - Horn Island
Brisbane - Roma - Charleville
2. State Licensed, subsidised:
Brisbane - Blackall - Barcaldine - Longreach - (Winton)
Brisbane - (Charleville) - Quilpie - Windorah - Birdsville - Bedourie - Boulia - Mt Isa
Townsville - Charters Towers - Julia Creek - Hughenden - Cloncurry
Townsville - Mt Isa is not restricted.
I forget the subsidy break up, but seem to recall the total subsidy to long haul bus services and scheduled RPT services amounts to approx $12.5 mill per annum.
Contrary to comment, Queensland Transport takes a great interest in these services and regularly consults with the communities.
There were between eight and twelve bidders for the last contract (can't remember the exact number), so there should be no lack of interest in the future if any restructure becomes necessary. I think APNG (Skytrans) were a bidder last time around. Longreach airstrip is currently being upgraded and that community is trying to attract jet aircraft.
It is a contract requirement the services are operated with pressurised aircraft (thus voiding the Dornier 228).