Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone said the Federal Government’s decision to cease funding regional airport security screening is a major blow, and has a significant impact on regional airports.
The council has been lobbying for ongoing Federal funding for screening, with the current funding set to cease on the 1st of July.
Airlines will most likely have to cover the ongoing cost of security screening, with the impact expected to cost the average departing passenger 40 dollars more per ticket.
In a statement, Mr. Stone said this additional cost will ultimately impact customers and could lead to a reduction in airline services.
He said the decision will not only be to the detriment of the community, but also the Government’s major development plans for the city.
