Gladstone Airport Corporation (GAC) will be introducing new security screening equipment in line with the Federal Government’s announcement in the 2018-19, Federal Budget, on the 31st December 2020.

Customers and visitors will now experience a Body Scanner, opposed to the current Walk Through Metal Detector.

Body scanners provide an additional layer of security detection with the equipment capable of detecting non-metallic prohibited items worn or carried on one’s body.

The scanners use non-ionising millimetre wave technology which emit low power levels and meets the health regulations in relation to licencing compliance. As such, internal medical devices including pacemakers and metal implants or women pregnant will not be adversely affected.

Body scanners are already in use at all Australian International Terminals and implemented at Domestic Terminal screening as part of the Government’s Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative, aligning national security screening standards with those of airports around the world.

The equipment has now been installed at Gladstone Airport and will operate as required until

the mandated date of 31 December 2020.

Persons with a medical or physical condition that may prevent them from being screened by a body scanner will need to advise the screening officer.

Privacy concerns have been diminished as the image displayed on the body scanner is a generic human profile with a general indicator of a detected item. A screening officer will apply the use of other screening techniques, including a targeted frisk search to clear an alarm.

What do I need to do to prepare when going through the Body Scanner?

• If you are using a body scanner you will be asked to remove outer layers of clothing (like jackets and jumpers) and take all items out of your pockets.
• Security Officers will then direct you through the screening process
• Be sure to inform screening officers if you have any medical devices, aids or implants before being screened.
• Alternative screening will be provided for those passengers who are medically or physically unable to undergo a body scan.