According to the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), prosperity of two of this State’s most critical industries – mining resources and tourism – had been under threat from the Federal Government’s new baggage checking requirements at regional airports.
Until recently, airports at Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Karratha, Kunnunurra, Exmouth and Newman had until 1 December to make the proposed changes or be forced to cancel services by commercial jet aircraft.
“When you consider that 75 per cent of all seats sold on commercial intrastate flights in Western Australia are mining related, you then realise the impact this could have on the resources industry,” WALGA President, Councillor Bill Mitchell said. “Add to that the impact on tourism to centres such as Exmouth, Kalgoorlie and Kunnunurra and there is potentially disastrous flow on effects to the rest of the State’s economy.”
However, recent discussions between Local Government and the Department of Transport and Roads (DOTARS) has resulted in a renegotiation on the installation of checked bag screening (CBS).
“Local Governments were being asked to commit to the implementation of these security screening requirements and funding arrangements without knowing the full costs involved,” Councillor Mitchell said. “They feared, once the commitment was made, they would be responsible for meeting any further funding requirements and this would place untenable pressure on their budgets.
“Local Governments involved were able to present their concerns directly to DOTARS representatives and negotiate an audit process for each airport in order to establish the actual costs of installing CBS into their airports along with the cost of staff to maintain the equipment.”
Under the extended timeframe, 26 regional airports across Australia servicing jet aircraft are required to establish hand held explosive trace detection equipment prior to 1 December this year, and larger multi view xray screening machines prior to 1 December 2008.
Many regional airports anticipate substantial infrastructure projects will be required to accommodate the xray machines. The combined cost of this equipment is up to $830,000 per airport.
The Federal Government has committed $15.4 million to fund upgrade works at 26 regional airports across Australia over the next four years. Councillor Mitchell said this falls well short of what is required.
“The Councils affected by these changes are not denying the importance of airport security,” he said. “They are just asking for more time and more funding to implement the changes.”
