Geraldton Airport security to increase with funding

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Minister for Transport Bill Marmion and Ian Blayney MLA.

Security at Geraldton’s airport will be improved after being awarded nearly $300,000 in State Government funding to replace baggage handling/X-ray and explosive trace detection equipment.

Keeping abreast with the latest technical standards, the new equipment is set to be installed during 2017.

Minister for Transport Bill Marmion announced approval of grants under the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS).

Geraldton Airport was among seven regional airports to receive RADS funding which supports upgrades to regional and remote aviation infrastructure.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new equipment would be a welcome addition to Geraldton’s airport.

“There were about 127,000 passenger movements through our terminal last year. We want to continue to operate at a high standard and this funding allows us to do so,” he said.

“We’re hoping to secure more funding from the Government in the near future for significant infrastructure upgrades, to enable operation of larger aircraft through our airport to grow regional tourism and export trade.

“Real prospects have been identified for direct airfreight exports from Geraldton, and we need upgraded capacity at the airport to enable and support that growth in economic activity and jobs.

“We have already lodged submissions with the State, seeking funding support to extend the length of our main runway to 2400 metres, and we will also be seeking Building Better Regions funding support from the Federal Government in 2017,” he added.