For 35 years, we have been debating the merits of a second airport in Western Sydney. The lines have been drawn on the maps and the land preserved. With a new Federal Government, finally the ‘stars seems to be aligned’ for the ‘GO’ button to be pushed.
Many (including myself) expected the Federal Government to announce the second airport for Western Sydney in February this year. So it is disappointing that we are still waiting.
When I talk to people, they are most concerned with the NSW Government’s position on the airport at Badgerys Creek. The Premier, Barry O’Farrell consistently (and rightly) said that it is a Federal Government decision.
The Premier has publically supported the establishment of a second airport in Western Sydney on the condition that the necessary supporting infrastructure is delivered with the airport project.
Building a second airport will provide minimum benefit for Western Sydney if all we get is the terminal and landing facilities where passengers land and then take a fast-train into the Sydney CBD. What we need is supporting infrastructure including roads and rail connections.
Supporting infrastructure will provide the necessary opportunities for the establishment of Western Sydney business to service the airport – businesses that will generate 30,000 local jobs.
A fast-train from the airport to Parramatta and then to Sydney will allow businesses and passengers to take advantage of Parramatta’s central geographic location as a hub of business activity for Western Sydney.
If the NSW Government has to fund the billions of dollars required for supporting infrastructure, the state must get the money from somewhere.
Do we take it from schools, hospitals or the police? Or do we slow down the investment in vital infrastructure already underway like $8.5 billion on Nothwest Rail link or $11 billion for WestConnex.
A second airport will enable Western Sydney to develop as its own global trade hub – unlocking prosperity from Parramatta to Penrith, Castle Hill to Campbelltown.
Like new opportunities for a business hub in freight, logistics and tourism generating $9 billion in economic activity by 2050. Western Sydney would be opening its doors up to booming Asian markets. But in the end it is a Federal Government decision.
There is not a global city across world that does not have its own airport. With Parramatta as the Capital of Western Sydney and an airport for us to take on the world, we can solidify our identity and stand on our own two feet - no longer just the second CBD to the west of Sydney, but a unique and prosperous region, connected to the world, creating great jobs for great people close to their home.
