In February 2010, following the Christmas Day terrorist attack (commonly known as the underpants bomber), the federal government announced a package of measures to enhance Australia’s aviation security.

The Government will provide $200 million over four years to implement a range of measures consistent with the initiatives announced in the White Paper.

Fast-tracking implementation to 1 July 2012 (from an initial implementation date of 1 July 2014), the extension of passenger screening for all Regular Public Transport (RPT) and open charter services using aircraft with a Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) over 20,000kg is being activated.

• Federal Government: The City of Albany has secured up to $350,000 for the purchase of security screening equipment, including carry-on baggage x-ray machine as well as walk through, explosive trace and hand held metal detectors. The Office of Transport Security will subsequently support the Albany Regional Airport’s transition to a higher screening level when appropriate infrastructure is in place.
• State Government: The City of Albany successfully applied for WA State Government funding under the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) for $1,250,000 to be expended over the 2011/12 and 2012/13 financial years. The City of Albany has also committed matched funding of $1,250,000, providing $2,500,000 in total to undertake Albany Regional Airport upgrade works.
• The ongoing operational costs of security screening services is to be fully recovered via user pays as an additional $20 on the current Airport passenger levy.

Up to June 2012: Planning and physical works to the airport terminal are well underway. We apologise for this short term inconvenience however the upgrading of the internal layout of the terminal is essential in order to comply with Federal Legislation. Initial Stage 1 works include establishing a compliant security screening point and creating a secure, sterile holding lounge for passengers.

1 July 2012: All passengers departing on Skywest RPT flights from Albany Regional Airport will undergo security screening. This will be of a similar standard to that which is currently undertaken in other major airports and includes passenger screening, carryon luggage x-ray, and screening of checked baggage.

Post July 2012: Once Stage 1 is complete and security screening is being delivered at the Albany Regional Airport, the City of Albany will focus on implementing the recommendations of the 2012 Master Plan. This work will detail Stage 2 works involving a substantial terminal upgrade and this will be timed to move to a higher security screened level for the airport.

• Passenger screening: a process to detect weapons and prohibited items at a screening point
• Checked baggage screening (CBS): technology used to screen passengers checked baggage which is to be carried in the hold of an aircraft
• Goods: the detection of weapons and prohibited items in cargo

• Explosive trace detection machines;
• Walk-through metal detectors;
• Hand wands; and
• Baggage X-ray machines.

1. Albany Regional Airport security screening compliance must meet legislative requirements by 1 July 2102.
2. Airport security screening at Albany will consist of passenger screening and checked baggage screening.
3. By 1 July 2012 Albany Regional Airport will be compliant with passenger screening for all Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) and open charter services over 20,000kg Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) and will upgrade other security measures across the airport.
4. The City of Albany will add $20.00 (gst included) to its passenger levy to implement security screening to meet Office of Transport Safety (OTS) requirements for each of the 20 RPT services per week. This includes wage costs, equipment, ongoing maintenance, amortisation, insurances and utilities costs, plus other security measures required outside the terminal building.
5. Office of Transport Security (OTS) notified the City of Albany of Band 5 security screening designation in January 2012. The City of Albany countered with a business case for a transitional approach as follows: Band 5 by 1 July 2012; Band 4 soon after; and Band 3 as the airport grows and is expanded.
6. Once Band level was determined, the City of Albany tendered for security equipment, security authority and provider services. Tenders have been received and assessed and will be approved at a Special Council Meeting on 3 April 2012.