CANBERRA, Oct 17 AAP - Security measures will be upgraded at another 15 regional airports across Australia following the announcement today of a $4.6 million funding boost. Since March, 146 regional airports have been designated as security-controlled airports and have a transport security program approved by the Australian government.
The latest round of funding provides basic security improvement measures at airports in Narrabri, NSW - $183,854; Bourke, NSW - $56,650; Albany, WA - $130,644; Kalbarri, WA - $38,880; Dubbo, NSW - $155,837; Meekatharra, WA - $66,820; Bathurst, NSW - $185,871; Mount Hotham, Vic - $88,029; Essendon, Vic - $1,911,430.70; Jandakot, WA - $885,741.00; Moorabbin, Vic - $663,834; Cobar, NSW - $20,495.40; Parkes, NSW - $24,033.10; Leonora, WA - $161,617; and Cambridge, Tas - $38,911.
Federal Transport Minister Warren Truss said the upgrades would increase confidence at regional airports. He said transport security programs were tailored to local conditions and the funding would help regional airports increase and improve security measures, such as fencing, lighting, CCTV and access control.
"Broadening the security base will reinforce travellers' confidence in the Australian aviation industry which is already regarded as one of the safest and most secure in the world," he said. "The Australian government is continuing to work closely with industry to implement a range of measures to increase security for the regional aviation industry."
The regional airport funding program provides $35 million to increase security measures at 146 eligible regional airports across Australia. Mr Truss said today's funding brought the total amount approved to date for 43 airports to more than $8.3 million. "A number of these airports will receive further funding as they roll out additional, agreed security measures in the future," he said. AAP
