Rockhampton Airport has become the first regional airport in the country to reveal the new state of the art body scanners and baggage screening equipment required by the Australian Government’s Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative.
The security upgrades, jointly funded by the Australian Government and Rockhampton Regional Council, are part of a major upgrade to the terminal building.
Federal MP for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said the new scanners and baggage screening equipment are state of the art equipment.
“These new scanners will replace the old metal detectors and will be very reminiscent of international screening measures.
“You’ll be asked to enter the scanner, raise your arms, and do a full 360 degree turn.
“These scanners will then be able to detect items worn or carried on the body, and will help keep all passengers and visitors at Rockhampton Airport safe and secure.
“The new x-ray luggage screening equipment also means you’ll no longer have to take out laptops and tablets and put them in separate trays – everything can go through together which will save time for passengers and security personnel alike.
“Safety and security is our top priority when it comes to air travel, which is why the Australian Government has covered the $4.31 million cost of the new security equipment at Rockhampton Airport.”
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the requirement to upgrade the security screening process has prompted the delivery of a wider masterplan for the airport.
“The space that the new equipment and screening process takes up in the airport is nearly double compared to the old kit.
“This meant we had to completely reconfigure the terminal in order to fit it in, so it made sense to look at doing other airport upgrade work at the same time.
“As well as putting in this new equipment as part of our Airport Masterplan, we are replacing the amenities, adding new cafes, upgrading the concourse, providing new and improved car hire booths, and improving the look and functionality of the airport overall.
“I’m really pleased we were able to award the contract to a local company – Woollam Constructions – for the first stage of this work, and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the rest of the changes taking shape.
“In the next stage we will be adding airport lounges and extending the first floor to allow space for new air-conditioning and other machinery, thanks to $6.44m from the Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland Program.
“For now please arrive to the airport in plenty of time before your flight so you can navigate through the new security screening process.”
Body scanners utilise non-ionising millimetre wave technology to detect items worn or carried on the body. Scanners used in Australia display a generic outline of a person with no identifying features. They cannot store or transmit any personal or identifying information.
Alternative screening will be provided for any persons with a medical or physical condition that may prevent them from being screened by a body scanner.
If you are concerned about any aspect of the screening process, please speak to a security screening officer at the screening point.
