Regional Express Airlines (REX) has announced that it “will cease all services to Grafton with effect from 3 July 2020”.

The announcement came unexpectedly, following councillors agreeing to REX’s request for a 50 per cent cut in head tax charges for the months of February and March 2020 at the May CVC meeting, which amounted to offering an $8,908 rebate.

Prior to that at the March CVC meeting, councillors had unanimously supported giving REX 100 per cent relief from head tax charges from April 1 to December 31, 2020, despite REX only asking for a 50 per cent cut.

REX’s announcement was contained in a curt letter, which focussed on words spoken by Cr Deborah Novak, who opposed the May decision; Cr Greg Clancy was the only other councillor who opposed the May decision; both councillors supported the 100 per cent rebate granted at the March meeting.

The letter from REX, dated June 4, states (in full): “On behalf of Rex, I would like to thank the Clarence Valley Council for offering Rex a rebate of $8908.00.

“Please note however that, given the hostility of the Councillors in relation to this matter, and following the call for Rex to ‘pull their finger out’, Rex will reject council’s offer.

“Full settlement has already been made last week.

“Please also be aware that Rex will cease all services to Grafton with effect from 3 July 2020.”

More on this story later; the Independent has sought comment from REX, CVC and the mayor, Jim Simmons.