An upgrade and expansion of the security screening area at Mount Isa Airport will be completed thanks to a $2.46 million Federal Government grant.

The project is funded under the Regional Airports Screening Infrastructure Program, allowing infrastructure works to be completed as a priority to accommodate the Federal Government’s enhanced securing screening requirements.

The work will deliver other improvements for the terminal, including more space in the departures area and improved passenger flow, because of the changes that need to be made to accommodate the new screening configuration.

Mount Isa Airport General Manager Brendan Cook said the project would deliver nine local jobs.

“The Federal Government grant will allow us to move ahead quickly and accommodate enhanced security screening equipment in the terminal,” he said.

“This comes at a time when we have been forced to put other projects on hold because of the impact of COVID-19 management measures on our business.”

The reconfiguration of the screening point means passengers will pass through security screening after checking in and enter a larger departure lounge, rather than dwelling in the retail area before transiting through screening when boarding is called.

The existing landside bathrooms will be removed and new amenities constructed near the baggage collection area.  

North Queensland-based Senator Susan McDonald said regional airports had been among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 crisis and the grant would ensure Mount Isa was ready to accept an influx of passengers once movement restrictions were eased.

“Mount Isa Airport has done a lot of heavy lifting keeping the region’s resources sector operating with charter flights, so this funding comes at a crucial time,” Senator McDonald said.