The Richmond Airport will receive $127,490 from the Australian Government’s $36.5 million Regional Airport Funding Program for further upgrades to its security infrastructure, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today. Senator Boswell said today’s grant brings to almost $300,000 the amount the Airport has received this year through the funding program. “Earlier this year, the Richmond Airport received more than $164,400 to install additional fencing on the premises,” he said.  “The announcement today of Stage 2 funding will build on the security upgrade at the airport with the installation of security lighting.” Senator Boswell said the Regional Airport Funding Program was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to protect the security of Australia’s aviation industry by upgrading basic security infrastructure at regional airports across Australia.   Richmond Airport became a security-controlled airport in 2005 and is one of 150 regional airports that are now required to have a transport security program approved by the Australian Government to strengthen aviation security around the country. Senator Boswell said transport security programs were tailored to local conditions and this funding would help Richmond Airport increase and improve security for the benefit of the many people and businesses reliant on Richmond Airport for transport services. “The Australian Government recognises the importance of aviation to regional communities such as Richmond,” Senator Boswell said. He said the Australian Airports Association worked closely with the Australian Government to negotiate the funding arrangements for the Richmond Airport. More details - Leah Nicoll in Senator Boswell’s office on 02 6277 3244 ENDS