SPECIAL kennels for housing and training sniffer detection dogs used by the Australian Federal Police at the Gold Coast Airport were opened in Murwillumbah yesterday.

Federal Home Affairs Minster Brendan O'Connor, Richmond MP Justine Elliot and AFP Assistant Commissioner Shane Connelly took part in the official opening of the kennels, the first of nine new “canine facilities” associated with major airports across Australia.

The kennels, in the new Industry Central industrial estate just a short distance from a proposed greyhound racing complex approved by Tweed Shire Council last month, are part of a $200 million Federal Government program to strengthen security at Australian airports.

Asst Comr Connelly said the kennels would house firearm and explosive- detection (FED) dogs, which would provide aviation security measures at Gold Coast Airport, including checking aircraft, baggage and freight.

It would also provide “vital training”.

The complex has 10 overnight kennels, two isolation kennels for housing sick dogs or those needing to be separated from the other animals, six day runs, a vet treatment room and agility yard.

He said AFP nationally had 46 FED and 10 currency and drug (CAD) dog teams operating in 10 major airports.

The Murwillumbah canine complex was designed to be environmentally friendly, with natural ventilation for kennel areas, zoned heating and cooling systems, rainwater collection and water re-use for irrigation and toilet flushing.

Mr O'Connor said the police dogs were provided through the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service's breeding program, and those at Murwillumbah were all labradors.

“This is a part of the Gillard government's $200 million commitment over four years to further strengthen security at Australian airports,” he said.

Ms Elliot, a former Queensland police officer, was happy to see the facility in her electorate.

“The safety of all passengers passing through Australia's airports as well as the tens of thousands of people who work at these terminals is paramount,” she said.