Roy Wakelin-King explained changes to the industry to owners and operators at Panthers over two hours.

"These changes are profound in many respects, and I have to ensure our members are well informed," he said.

Local stakeholders pricked up their ears when Mr Wakelin-King mentioned legislation to be introduced in the year's first sitting of state parliament with amendments to December's legalisation of ridesharing.

"It's going to be a more competitive environment," Mr Wakelin-King said. "But I think our drivers in regional and rural areas are well placed at the moment. They work very hard with their communities, and I'm confident they will continue to do that."

The challenges faced by the industry were different in the country, he said.

"We're very conscious of the service we provide to people with less mobility, elderly people and those special needs. A lot of the discussion we are having this morning is ensuring we maintain and keep affordable our services to people in those demographics."

He acknowledged the threats posed by recent arrivals including Uber.

"This competitive environment doesn't include just hire cars and ride sharing, but others forms such as courtesy transport and government-funded transport. We have to make sure irrespective of who is coming around the corner, we still provide the highest customer service and standards."