Federal government review rules rural airports of lesser risk

According to a spokesman from the Department of Home Affairs, a new aviation security framework is being introduced "that better reflects the operational diversity and range of security risks faced by Australian airports, while recognising the changing security environment".

The decision is the result of a review of the risk profiles of the nation's airports and is believed to apply to eight regional airports.

It's also understood another 13 airports will be required to upgrade security measures.

Barcaldine is one of those already operating without baggage screening, thanks to an exemption granted when flights resumed to and from the town's airport after Queensland's COVID-19 lockdown was eased.

Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Sean Dillon said they had been due to add body imaging equipment to their security requirements and this decision would now save local government airport operators many thousands of dollars for the foreseeable future.

"The costs would have been passed on to passengers too," he said. "Passengers will be deplaning into a secure area if they're catching a connecting flight - this is a commonsense move and one that will minimise our capital improvements budget."

Cr Dillon rejected the suggestion that it was watering down security, saying it reflected the national threat assessment.

The council at Barcaldine now hopes to turn its baggage screening area into a coffee shop and has an Expressions of Interest call out.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills confirmed that screening changes had been made at Longreach Airport recently following the federal review.

The Department of Home Affairs airport categorisation model now classifies the airport at Longreach as an unscreened security-controlled airport based on size.

These changes came into effect on November 1.

The decision to make Charleville's airport a category three was made last year and not part of the latest round of announcements, but Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun 'Zorro' Radnedge said screening had been an issue because of the costs involved.

"When we were told security screening needed to be included, it was potentially a massive cost burden on our ratepayers," he said.

"It is one thing for government bureaucrats to make decisions but they sometimes forget our regional airports are often owned and maintained by the local government authority in regional areas, operating on very thin margins and already burdened by a sluggish economy from drought and now the pandemic.

"In saying that, we welcome the decision as long as we have sureties from the federal government and Qantas our current flights will not be diminished and this decision will not be used as an excuse to minimise our flights even more," he said.

"For our Murweh, Qulipie and Paroo communities and those living and working here, the airport flights are a vital connection and I would be absolutely livid if this is waved in our face down the track as a reason for Qantas to hurt us even more.

"Flights that make sense and are regular and reliable will always be a priority for me and my fellow councillors and this latest security decision should not minimise our ability to attract flights."

That's been a concern of Kennedy MP Bob Katter, who said small airports such as Hughenden, Richmond and Karumba would be collateral damage of airport security requirements.

He also said the federal government had implemented requirements stipulating airports that don't meet a quota in passengers a year would not get the security clearance, so cannot be used as a commercial airport.

The Home Affairs spokesman said the regulations do not prevent regular public transport flights from operating out of airports that are not security controlled.

"The Australian government's first priority is, and will always be, to keep Australians safe and secure," he said.

"In recognition of the cost impacts of new technology upgrades on critical regional aviation services the government has allocated $50.1 million to assist eligible regional airports to upgrade their security screening equipment.

"Some small, regional and remote airports have been identified as no longer meeting the threshold to be security controlled. They will still be subject to safety and other regulatory requirements."