Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, today announced that Burketown Airport will receive a second stage of funding from the Australian Government’s $35 million Regional Airport Funding Program to upgrade its security infrastructure. Senator Boswell said the Australian Government was determined to do all it could to protect the security of Australia’s aviation industry. “Today’s announcement of $37,000 in funding for the Burketown Airport is in addition to $34,650 provided earlier this year for the first stage of security upgrades at the airport which included the installation of security fencing with gates,” he said. “Basic security upgrades for stage 2 of the upgrades at Burketown Airport will include the installation of flood lighting.” “This total package of funding of close to $72,000 will help the Burketown Airport increase and improve its security measures for the benefit of those who use the airport each day of the year.” Senator Boswell said the Burke Shire relies heavily on the air strip, particularly during the wet season when local roads are flooded and the area cut off for months at a time. He said the Australian Government recognises the importance of aviation to regional communities and has worked to tailor transport security programs to local conditions. More details: Leah Nicoll in Senator Boswell’s office on 3001 8150 ENDS