Providing essential transport infrastructure often presents complex financial considerations for regional communities across Australia.
A recent development concerning a key transport facility in South Australia has raised concerns about potential cost implications for its users and the local governing body.
The necessity of adhering to evolving regulatory standards is at the centre of this matter, potentially leading to significant financial adjustments.
As the gateway to the stunning Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier Airport is a crucial hub for residents and visitors alike. It offers a connection to the wider world from the heart of regional South Australia.
However, the tranquillity of this picturesque locale is being overshadowed by a looming financial burden that could see airfares skyrocket, leaving passengers and the local council grappling with the potential fallout.
The issue lies in the introduction of mandatory security screening requirements, a measure that, while crucial for passenger safety, comes with a hefty price tag.
The District Council of Grant, which operates the airport, will need to spend $1.5 million initially and $300,000 annually.
To cover these expenses, passengers could be hit with a fare increase of $90—a move that council chief executive Darryl Whicker warns could render the airport ‘unsustainable’.
‘Any impact that increases ticket prices substantially will reduce affordability, which means people won’t travel and therefore airports become unsustainable,’ Mr Whicker said.
A significant increase in ticket prices could deter people from flying, leading to reduced airport traffic and, ultimately, a potential reduction in critical services that the airport facilitates, such as the arrival of essential healthcare professionals to the region.
‘An airport is just as valuable as a hospital, as education, and all those other services that regional communities rely on and enjoy,’ Mr Whicker said.
This isn’t just a local problem; it’s a national concern. The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has echoed the sentiment of regional airports nationwide, highlighting the financial strain that security costs impose on council-run and owned airports with already tight margins.
Simon Westaway, AAA chief executive, said regional air travel accounts for fifteen per cent of the Australian market. ‘The reality is if [costs] go up, they need to be managed.’
The disparity in security screening costs between regional and metropolitan passengers is stark. While travellers from Mount Gambier might soon be forking out $90, their counterparts in Sydney pay a mere 70 cents.
This discrepancy has already had tangible consequences in places like Whyalla, where implementing a security fee saw passenger numbers plummet and airline services were cut.
In response to this growing issue, former senator and current SA Senate candidate for the Jacqui Lambie Network, Rex Patrick, has proposed a solution that aims to distribute the financial load more evenly.
He advocates for a national levy on all passengers to fund security screening costs.
‘We need to have a regime in Australia where each passenger pays a levy for security screening costs, and that levy is used to fund the security screening costs all around the country.’
If Patrick and Senator Jacqui Lambie are successful in the federal election, this proposal could see a bill introduced that would significantly reduce the cost for Mount Gambier passengers from $90 to as nominal as a dollar.
‘What that means is people in Sydney who now pay 70 cents per passenger might have to pay a dollar.’
This move champions the principle that national security costs should not be shouldered by local councils alone.
As the debate continues, the AAA is preparing to lobby the next federal parliament for a ‘more sustainable commitment of funding to support both capital and operational requirements at our regional airfields’.
Meanwhile, the Department for Home Affairs maintains that airport operators and airlines are responsible for meeting security requirements and managing the associated costs.
The outcome of this issue will have far-reaching implications for the residents of Mount Gambier and the surrounding regions.
The airport is more than just a point of departure; it’s a lifeline that connects the community to essential services and opportunities.
As the conversation around security screening costs unfolds, it’s clear that finding a balanced solution is not just about maintaining affordability—it’s about preserving the lifeblood of regional Australia.
We understand the importance of accessible travel for Australians, many of whom rely on regional airports to visit family, access healthcare, and enjoy their well-earned leisure time.
We encourage our readers to stay informed on this issue and to support initiatives that ensure the sustainability of regional travel.
Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below—how would a fare increase affect your travel plans, and what do you think is the fairest way to handle the costs of security screening at regional airports?
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