Statement on Second Sydney Airport
16 April 2014
“The announcement of a second airport for Sydney is overdue recognition of the city’s long-term aviation needs and is a valuable investment in jobs and the future growth of Western Sydney,” Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said.
“While Kingsford Smith Airport is a valuable economic asset, and should remain Sydney’s main airport, the reality is it will inevitably run out of capacity in the future, and planning and consultation with the communities affected must start now.
“Every effort needs to be made to maximise the capacity of Kingsford Smith, including improving links to and from the airport, but a second airport is the only long-term solution to maintain Sydney’s critical importance as a major entry point into Australia for tourists and business travellers.
“If Sydney is to remain a great place to visit and do business, there needs to be certainty that capacity can grow and expand to meet demand.
“The development of complementary road and rail infrastructure will be critical in the construction of a second Sydney airport, and we look forward to the upcoming state and federal announcements on related infrastructure projects in Western Sydney.
“The federal government deserves credit for meeting its election commitment to make this decision, as while it will not please everyone, kicking it down the road again is simply not an option anymore,” Ms Westacott said.
For further information contact:
Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs
Business Council of Australia
Telephone (03) 8664 2603 | Mobile 0403 241 128