A PROPOSAL to restrict access of regional airlines to Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport hasn't raised too many concerns about the future of air services into the Clarence Valley - at least for now.

A joint study on aviation capa-city into Sydney airport has recommended preventing new services of aircraft with fewer than 50 seats, slots access to the airport from 2015.

That number would increase to 70 seats in 2020.

But what has given Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson and Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis heart is current services appear protected.

The committee investigating increased capacity said: "Recognising that the main use of aircraft up to 70 seats is for regional air services, slots allocated for services that are already operating should be grandfathered."

Mr Gulaptis said the grandfathering of regional slots was "critical".

But he said there might be a concern if there was to be a change of carrier.

"Those slots will be extremely valuable to the carriers and the public," he said.

"There may just be a loophole there preventing us from using Sydney airport in the event a carrier changed."

Cr Williamson had similar concerns.

He said a new operator from Grafton would be highly unlikely in the current economic climate, but the community needed to remain vigilant.

"Those services are vital," he said. "That access is critical to regional development.

"Government should, and I'm sure does, recognise the value of that."

He said one of the main concerns for the Clarence was to retain government employees in the town.

Without direct air access between the Valley and Sydney, the government agencies that employ those people would almost certainly relocate, he said.

"I'm sure (Transport Minister) Anthony Albanese would under- stand how serious the implications could be to rural communities," Cr Williamson said.