Latest Mackay Airport News

Scissors find a new home at Glenella primary school

More than 200 scissors surrendered by passengers at Mackay Airport have found a new home at Glenella State Primary School.

Mackay Port Authority CEO Jeffrey Stewart-Harris and Glenella State Primary School captain Damien Mackay and vice-captain Kirsten Jerry snip their way through a pile of scissors surrendered by passengers at Mackay’s busy airport.

The scissors and dozens of nail files are among hundreds of prohibited items surrendered by passengers at the security checkpoint at the airport departure lounge each year.

Items such as knives, letter openers, scissors, nail files, needles and razor blades are not permitted in carry on luggage. The airlines provide passengers with a comprehensive list of prohibited items.

Mackay Port Authority CEO Jeffrey Stewart-Harris said the MPA preferred to donate the scissors to local schools – rather than tossing them out.

The scissors will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before finding their way into classrooms.

"We donate the items to a different school each year," Mr Stewart-Harris said. "It's a great recycling project that benefits the whole school community."

Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard is encouraging people entering the security departure lounge to ensure that have stored all "sharp" items in their check-in luggage.

Mr Heard said the detection of prohibited items slowed the processing of passengers into the security departure lounge.

"We are about to enter one of the busiest times of the year. It is important that screening of carry on bags is conducted quickly and efficiently to prevent delays and long queues.

Mr Heard said Mackay Airport remained on target to process about 800 000 passengers this year.

Meantime, Glenella principal Steve Auer said the scissors would be used by children in a variety of activities within the school, including arts and crafts.

"For whatever reason scissors seem to disappear – so this donation is much appreciated," he said.