The 2015 Budget is part of the Commonwealth Governments plan to build a strong, safe and prosperous future for all Australians. 

Two Australian airports – Sunshine Coast and Townsville – will now be able to offer ongoing international air services as a result of the 2015-16 Budget. 

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the Australian Government will provide $26.2 million over four years to establish ongoing border clearance services at both airports to enable regular international travel. 

The Federal Member for Fisher Mal Brough MP said the lack of customs capacity was highlighted last year when a local aviation company came close to losing the ability to bring international visitors direct to our tourism hotspots. 

“The potential for job creation and economic growth for the Sunshine Coast from this is significant,” Mr Brough said.  

“This initiative will provide confidence to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in developing the Airport and I am sure will be welcomed by the tourism sector.” 

Mr Dutton said that increased visitor numbers will boost the tourism industry in Australia, encouraging businesses to invest and help to unlock the region’s full potential 

“The funding will be directed towards customs, immigration and quarantine functions associated with international passenger processing, aircraft clearance and counter terrorism to manage the border protection and biosecurity risks at these airports,” Mr Dutton said.  

“We have set up a model within the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service – soon to be the Australian Border Force – which provides for the flexible deployment of trained officers to airports as the need arises.” 

Border agency officials will work closely with airport and airline management at the airport to ensure appropriate resourcing for biosecurity and border clearance activities is aligned to the proposed flight schedules of international airlines.