Kowanyama

Local Fare Scheme

The Local Fare Scheme is an airfare subsidy aimed at improving the standard of living of local residents in regional and remote Far North Queensland communities by making air travel to nearby communities more affordable.

Residents who can show they currently live in a Local Fare Scheme region and have resided there for the last three years are eligible for the airfare subsidy until June 30, 2022. Residents may be eligible for a discount of up to $400 on round-trip ticket between:

• Cape York and Cairns: Aurukun, Coen, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Portland Roads, Northern Peninsula Area – Seisia, New Mapoon, Bamaga, Umagico and Injinoo, Pormpuraaw, Mapoon, Napranum and Weipa
• Gulf of Carpentaria and Cairns or Mount Isa: Doomadgee and Mornington Island
• Horn (Ngurupai) Island and Cairns
• Outer Torres Strait Islands and Horn (Ngurupai) Island: Badu, Talbot (Boigu), Coconut (Poruma), Darnley (Erub), Mabuiag, Kubin, Murray (Mer), Saibai, Sue (Warraber), Yam (Iama) and Yorke (Masig) Islands
  
  

Application Process

Visit Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council and show that you live in a Local Fare Scheme region (of which must be Kowanyama at time of application for KASC to process your application) and have done so for at least three years. You must give the following information:

• Correct Photo identification (Passport, Driver’s License or Photo Identification) with applicant’s address.
• Bank Statement showing local Kowanyama address (optional).
• Utility Bill over three years of age (optional).
• Statutory declaration confirming your residential status within Local Fare Scheme region.

PLEASE NOTE: Receiving a Local Fare Scheme Card does not ensure TMR approval. If insufficient information is provided, TMR retain the right to cancel the order. When seeking a new Local Fare Scheme card or a replacement card from the Council office, at least 24 hours' notice is required.

Buy Your Ticket

Eligible airports and local ticketing agents:

• Airport: Kowanyama Airport
• Airline: Skytrans or Hinterland
• Local Ticketing Agent: Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
  
  

Travel

To travel, you must present your photo ID. 

If you miss your flight or need to alter it, you must contact your ticketing agent, depending on the type of fare you purchased. You might not be able to get any more reduced flights if you miss more than two trips in a 12-month period.

For more information on the Local Fare Scheme, email email/localfarescheme)(translink.com.au, or visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.