MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 06 May 2008 AA040/2008

MORE MONEY FOR SECURITY UPGRADES AT REGIONAL AIRPORTS I have agreed to provide more than $92,000 from the Regional Airport Funding Program for projects that will strengthen security at Burnie Airport and Illawarra Regional Airport. The Rudd Labor Government takes aviation security extremely seriously and we are working with the industry to ensure Australia's airports are the most secure in the world. Accordingly, I have approved: More than $85,000 for the installation of a new Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system at Burnie Airport; and $6,700 to upgrade of security fencing at Illawarra Regional Airport. Last year, more than 87,000 passengers passed through Burnie Airport and more than 15,000 arrived at or departed from Illawarra Regional Airport. These numbers are expected to grow in the years ahead. The Government's $36.5 million Regional Airport Funding Program is there for practical measures that will strengthen security arrangements at up to 150 of the nation's regional airports. The aim of the Program is simple: a high level of public confidence in the security provided by our regional airports - facilitates that collective supports thousands of local jobs and attract greater investment opportunities to the communities they serve. Importantly, grants from the Program are tailored to local requirements. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Australian Airports Association in negotiating funding arrangements for our regional airports. In my first five months as Transport Minister, I have been working closely with airport operators and the airlines to make sure our security response remains one-step ahead of current and emerging threats. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/May/AA040_2008.htm