THE revival of a plan to expand Sydney Airport by building two new runways at Kurnell was condemned yesterday by state and federal MPs for the area and mayors around Botany Bay.
However, Premier Barry O'Farrell appeared happy to let the proposal "fly" — as long as the state government didn't have to pay for it.
State Treasurer Mike Baird revived the decades-old idea by declaring in a media interview that it was worthwhile considering.
Ironically, Mr Baird's father, Bruce, as the federal MP for Cook, successfully led the last fight against the proposal during the Howard government years.
Mr O'Farrell told a media conference there had been no change to his government's policy, which was to increase capacity at the airport through adjustments, while maintaining the curfew and existing runway structure.
But he repeatedly passed up the opportunity to criticise the Kurnell runways plan.
"If the Commonwealth government wants to look at it, fine," he said.
"I understand something similar was recommended by the joint Commonwealth-state study [released early this year], and wasn't recommended."
Mr O'Farrell said it was "not something that's on my agenda, it's not something that I have to make a decision on . . ."
He said he and his Treasurer were not at odds, and that Mr Baird had confirmed the government's policy had not changed.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman, who was previously surprised by the Cronulla Fisheries closure, was furious to have once again received no warning from the government of which he is a member.
After confirming with Mr Baird he had been quoted accurately, Mr Speakman fired off a letter to him, promising to "lead the mother of all battles against this if you attempt to promote this ridiculous idea".
Cook MP Scott Morrison said that along with the community of Sutherland Shire he was "vehemently" opposed to the plan.
Sutherland mayor Kent Johns said it was a "ridiculous" proposal that should be scrapped immediately.
He said Mr Baird was ignoring the ecological damage it would cause to the Towra Point Wetland and was showing a complete lack of respect for the heritage of the Kurnell peninsula, not to mention the impact it would have on residents in the area.
Rockdale mayor Shane O'Brien predicted "catastrophic" devastation to Botany Bay's fragile environment if the proposal went ahead.
He said the bay continued to suffer erosion from earlier dredging operations.
60-YEAR-OLD MONSTER DREDGED UP
AN AIRPORT on the southern side of Botany Bay was first discussed more than 60 years ago, but the first serious proposal was put forward in 1968.
The State Planning Authority favoured the development of an airport at Towra Point as a subsidiary to Kingsford Smith Airport, and projected it be built between 1980 and 1990.
Had it gone ahead, the exclusive new Sylvania Waters estate would have been right under the flight path.
The Department of Civil Aviation recommended land be purchased, but federal cabinet scrapped the idea.
What's your take on Mike Baird's support for the plan?
