Sydney Airport remains committed to ‘‘enhancing capacity’’ despite the announcement today that a new airport will be built at Badgerys Creek.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott ended months of speculation by announcing federal cabinet had approved the new airport as part of a major infrastructure package for western Sydney.
Sydney Airport, which has the right of first refusal to operate the new facility, was guarded in its response.
A statement from Sydney Airport said that as the announcement had outlined, significant infrastructure works needed to be undertaken on and around the Badgerys Creek site.
‘‘It is important that a secondary airport be developed as demand requires, with priority placed on planning supporting infrastructure including roads, rail, public transport options, aviation fuel pipelines and utilities,’’ the statement said.
‘‘Extensive local community and stakeholder consultation will be a vital part of that process.
‘‘Sydney Airport has a right of first refusal, which sets out a detailed process that will be worked through as and when appropriate.
‘‘Meantime, we will continue to engage in constructive discussions with the federal government.
‘‘In the interests of the travelling public, airlines and our shareholders, Sydney Airport will apply appropriate commercial and financial discipline throughout any process.
‘‘Sydney Airport’s approved master plan 2033 shows that we can meet forecast demand of 74 million passengers in 2033.
‘‘Together with government, stakeholders, airline partners and the community, we are focused on improving the customer experience, increasing efficiency and enhancing capacity at Sydney Airport.’’
Fairfax media reported construction of Badgerys Creek airport was expected to begin in 2016, with an estimated cost of $2.5 billion.
Mr Abbott said the bulk of investment would come from the private sector, with government to take the lead on building surrounding infrastructure, including roads.
“It’s a long, overdue decision which, to be honest, has been shirked and squibbed by successive governments for far too long,” he said.
‘‘I want to stress that the government’s approach will be roads first, airport second because we don’t want the people of western Sydney to have an airport without having the decent transport infrastructure that western Sydney deserves.”
Do you think Badgerys Creek airport will finally take-off?
