NTC-30120 – Declaration of Security Controlled Airport and Establishment of Airside Area – Sunshine Coast Airport

Overview

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 was enacted by the Australian Parliament to address the critical need for robust security measures within the aviation sector to safeguard against terrorist threats and other security risks. The Act was introduced to ensure that Australia's aviation transport infrastructure is protected, thereby enhancing the safety and security of passengers and staff within the aviation system. The policy objective of the Act is to provide a comprehensive framework for the implementation of security measures at airports and on aircraft, in line with international standards and best practices. This includes the establishment and regulation of security controlled airports and airside areas, as demonstrated by the recent declaration and subsequent revocation concerning Sunshine Coast Airport. The Act empowers the Department of Home Affairs to designate airports as security controlled and to establish the boundaries of airside areas, ensuring these areas are subject to stringent security protocols.

Scope and Application

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 governs the security of civil aviation in Australia, extending its application to all security controlled airports within the Commonwealth, including their respective airside areas. This legislation applies to both persons and entities engaged in activities related to civil aviation, ensuring stringent security measures are in place to protect against potential threats. The Act mandates that certain airports, including Sunshine Coast Airport, be designated as security controlled airports, thereby requiring compliance with specified security protocols. This Act’s jurisdiction encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Australia, with its provisions applicable to all designated airports and their operational areas. The declaration of Sunshine Coast Airport as a security controlled airport and the establishment of its airside area, as outlined in the notice, are pursuant to the Act's provisions and are effective from the date of publication in the Gazette. The boundaries of the airport and the airside area are clearly defined in the attached maps forming part of the notice. The Act may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to aviation security.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this piece of legislation involve the revocation and re-declaration of Sunshine Coast Airport as a security controlled airport and the establishment of its airside area, as detailed in subsection 28(2) of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the Act). Specifically, the legislation revokes the previous declaration (NTC-29973) published in the Gazette on 16 February 2026 (C2026G00073) and makes a new declaration (NTC-30120), published on 26 February 2026. The newly declared boundaries of Sunshine Coast Airport and the airside area are to be found on the maps attached to this notice and which form part of this notice. This declaration takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Gazette. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties or entities it governs, particularly in relation to the security of aviation transport. The declaration of Sunshine Coast Airport as a security controlled airport means that the airport must comply with the security measures prescribed by the Act and any regulations made under it. This includes implementing measures to prevent acts of unlawful interference with civil aircraft and to protect passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself from such acts. The establishment of the airside area further delineates the specific zones within the airport that are subject to heightened security controls. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can result in various civil and criminal consequences. For instance, breaches of the Act may lead to enforcement actions, fines, or other penalties as specified in the Act or related regulations. The maximum penalties for offences under the Act can be substantial, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. These may include fines up to $275,000 for individuals and higher for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment terms. The precise penalties for specific offences are detailed in the Act and related legislation, and they serve as a deterrent against non-compliance. The legislation also provides for the revocation of the declaration if it is found that the airport no longer meets the criteria for being a security controlled airport or if other circumstances warrant such action. This ensures that the security measures remain appropriate and effective in addressing contemporary threats to aviation security. The revocation and re-declaration process, as outlined in this notice, is a formal mechanism to adjust the security controls in response to changing conditions or requirements. The Notice remains in effect until it is revoked in writing and published in the Gazette, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness in managing aviation security at Sunshine Coast Airport.