Australian Government to invest additional AUD237.2m in aviation industry

Australian Government announced (11-May-2010) plans to invest an extra AUD237.2 million to bolster public confidence in the safety of air travel and to put in place the infrastructure needed to support continued growth and jobs in the industry. The new funding upholds the government's commitment to aviation security and expands on measures outlined in the nation's first ever Aviation White Paper which was published Dec-2009. The funding includes: [more]

• More resources for aviation safety: the Government allocated AUD89.9 million in funding to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to hire 97 additional safety specialists, safety analysts and airworthiness inspectors and other staff, to provide expanded and ongoing training, to make permanent random alcohol and drug testing, and ensure the Office of Airspace Regulation continues to have the resources to properly regulate and administer Australia's airspace. This extra investment in safer skies will be funded via a small increase in the aviation fuel excise (from AUD0.02854 to AUD0.03556 per litre);
• Strengthening aviation security: almost AUD200 million of the funding will be allocated to the rollout of new and additional measures contained in the Aviation Security Package announced by the Prime Minister on 09-Feb-2010. This includes:
  • AUD28.5 million to help the industry introduce a range of new technologies at passenger screening points, including the latest body scanners, next generation multi-view x-ray machines and bottle scanners capable of detecting liquid-based explosives. From early 2011, body scanners will be introduced progressively as an additional screening measure at screening points servicing international departures;
  • AUD32 million over four years to bring forward screening at a number of additional regional airports served by larger passenger turbo-prop aircraft;
  • AUD18.2 million over four years (AUD5.1 million in 2010-11) to strengthen engagement and cooperation in the Asia Pacific region and beyond, and to improve security on international flights;
  • AUD54.2 million over four years (AUD4.1 million in 2010-11) to assist the air cargo industry install x-ray screening and explosive trace detection technology at selected locations. This funding will also establish a regulated shipper scheme, allowing for the identification of high-risk cargo for technical examination;
• More remote airstrips to be upgraded: AUD5.9 million to be allocated to extend the Remote Aviation Infrastructure Fund for a further two years;
• Investing in the nation's international gateway: AUD8.5 million to be allocated for the long-term planning of Sydney International Airport. The Aviation Strategic Plan for the Sydney Region will identify potential sites for a second Sydney airport, the additional road and rail infrastructure that will be required and investment strategies that will deliver this additional capacity. The plan, which will be developed in partnership with the NSW Government and is expected to be finalised in 1H2011, will also consider the future use of the Badgerys Creek site given it has been ruled out as a location for a future airport.