State Government funds vital security equipment at Learmonth Airport

22/08/05
The State Government is ensuring that necessary security equipment is installed at Learmonth Airport near Exmouth to meet new anti-terrorism requirements and provide safe travel for residents, workers and tourists to the North-West region of the State.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced a one-off funding grant of $72,000 to provide additional security equipment to the Shire of Exmouth, under the Regional Airports Development Scheme.
"Jet services to Learmonth commenced in April this year and under the Commonwealth's Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, an explosives detection unit is required," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Securing jet services to the popular tourism and resource rich region has long been a priority of the State Government, the Shire of Exmouth and the local community, and this unit provides the additional security requirements.
"The Gallop Government recognises that secure airport services are crucial to the North-West and this funding will make sure the vital explosives detection unit is installed.
"The State Government believes the Exmouth region must be encouraged to grow and develop and the continuation of jet services to Learmonth airport, which services Exmouth, is critical to that happening.
"Services using a Fokker-100, 97-seat jet are operated on Mondays and Fridays through Skywest, and the benefits are extensive as a core service to the region and for those who live there.
"For example, the current development of the Exmouth Village Marina and associated resort will depend upon fast, reliable and affordable transport to and from Perth."
The Shire of Exmouth will fund a range of other security requirements, including an X-ray machine and walk-through metal detector, security staff to operate the upgraded security installations, and alarm systems for the terminal.
Such security measures are now mandatory under Federal legislation at any regional airport from which regular licensed passenger jet services are operated.
Minister's office: 9213 6400