A $9.15 million upgrade and expansion of the security screening zone in the Townsville Airport terminal will start next year thanks to a Federal Government grant.

The grant is being provided under the Regional Airports Screening Infrastructure Program, allowing essential security screening infrastructure upgrade works to be completed as a priority – expanding the area by 300 per cent.

Enhancing the security screening area is a key element of the overall terminal redevelopment plan.

Townsville Airport General Manager Brendan Cook said the project would start in early 2021 and be next completed by the end of the year.

“This is a priority project and the grant provided by the Federal Government means we can get to work almost immediately enhancing the security screening area in the terminal,” he said.

“We are pleased to be able to deliver these works at a time when our business continues to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 management measures put in place this year.”

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the $9.15 million Federal Government grant would help avoid the costs of improved security infrastructure being passed on to travellers.

“We know how difficult this year has been for the aviation sector so it’s good to be able to provide this assistance through the Regional Airports Screening Infrastructure (RASI) program,” he said.

“Safety is extremely important – whether it’s on the road or in the air – so any improvements to screening are a good thing.

“But this upgrade will also mean a screening area that’s three times the size, meaning more room to move at an airport where we’re looking forward to seeing continued growth post-COVID.”

New screening equipment includes body scanners which have been trialled at the airport since November 2019. The project also includes the installation of new CT x-ray units for carry on and checked baggage screening and the relocation of 10 check-in desks.

Other components of the terminal redevelopment have already been completed, including an upgrade of the terminal roof at a cost of about $1.7 million.