Brisbane Airport boss: We need government support for seamless borders
Brisbane needs a streamlined, world-class process for returning Aussies and welcoming international visitors, writes airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.
As a nation, we can do a better job of making it easier for Aussies to return home from overseas, and for international visitors to enjoy a smooth arrival into Australia.
Brisbane Airport is investing $5 billion over the next five years to improve the travel experience.
But all the concrete in the world won’t fix a process that remains out of our hands – border passage.
This story is part of The Courier-Mail’s annual Future Brisbane series that advocates for a better city and region. Read all the stories in the series here
Future Brisbane is a Courier-Mail advocacy series support by TechnologyOne, Brisbane Airport, The University of Queensland, Brisbane City Council, NBN, ANZ, Walker Corporation, RACQ, Carnival, Port of Brisbane, Suntory and Transurban.
The passenger experience at the border relies heavily on the Commonwealth agencies, and right now, that experience is falling behind the rest of the world.
We need a streamlined, world-class process.
Think Singapore’s Changi Airport where passengers clear immigration in seconds, not half an hour or more.
The process is seamless, digital, safe, secure and efficient, just as it should be in a country like Australia.
As a side-benefit, it will also enable passengers from overseas who are transiting to regional Queensland to have their bags checked right through.
Across our terminals, we’re focused on making travel smoother.
Our underlying goal for passengers is simple: ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.
By the end of the year, you’ll see a brand-new entry to the Domestic Terminal, leading to a new mezzanine level.
This space will feature next-generation security screening equipment, enabling you to keep items like laptops in your bag.
Less hassle, less stress – ‘don’t worry, be happy’ in action.
At the International Terminal, there’ll also be new security screening equipment.
Screening and passport control will be relocated to sit alongside new automated check-in and bag drop facilities, so you can take care of everything on one convenient level in our terminal.
From there, you’ll head down into an expanded retail and food precinct, with more options to relax, shop, or grab a bite before your flight.
A successful city and state need a successful airport and right now, Brisbane and Queensland are thriving.
Our role is to provide vital connectivity that enables social, cultural, and economic activity to flourish.
Brisbane Airport is Australia’s most connected domestic airport with 62 connections, 32 of them in Queensland.
We also have direct international connections to 35 locations, the most in the airport’s 100-year history.
Every destination we connect opens new possibilities for travellers, businesses and this great state.
Brisbane Airport will continue working hard to grow our network, but improved connections on the ground are just as important.
That’s why we’re renewing calls for better public transport links.
We can’t rely solely on road networks to support 100,000 passengers and workers who come to the airport daily.
Currently, over 25,000 workers also commute to the airport, rising to 50,000 in 20 years’
time.
Brisbane Airport is one of South East Queensland’s largest employment precincts and it’s growing fast.
Because transport enables trade, we’re seeing growth in logistics centres at the airport. It’s a smart move: proximity to runways and highways and the port means faster, more efficient delivery of goods.
This growing logistics hub doesn’t just keep Queensland’s exports flowing to the world, it ensures Queenslanders receive essential deliveries faster.
At the end of the day, there’s no trade without transport.
Brisbane Airport is proud to connect both Queenslanders and their exports to the world.
