Very interesting to see how it all pans out. QF will have the upper hand in being able to offer on-carriage through Perth as well. Would be interesting to see where they would operate from, despite recent upgrades to the QF terminal in Perth the addition of more routes and aircraft could be problematic? WAC's plan is I believe for QF put some capacity out of T3 once the new TWA is built and if XR and DJ move over there.
I would agree with Xeptu that EPR is probably no different to Port Lincoln in terms of being able to justify a Q400 service. Pavement loading could be interesting though!
Maybe XR with their growth in other areas would gladly reduce their turboprop operation and concentrate on the RPT/mining jet routes, particularly now they are getting 1, and perhaps further, A320 types!