The Federal Government has appointed technical experts to explore the viability of a second Sydney airport, as minister for infrastructure and transport Anthony Albanese warned failure to act would see the national economy suffer.
Albanese referred to the recent Joint Study on Aviation Capacity in the Sydney region which made a strong case for a second airport “sooner rather than later”.
“With passenger numbers expected to double by 2035, we know that Sydney’s current aviation structure will not cope with demand,” he said.
“Unmet demand for aviation in Sydney will cost the national economy $35 billion by 2060. This means giving up the chance to create nearly 78,000 jobs across the country.”
But he was adamant a “proper investigation” into the challenges and opportunities of a second airport had to take place before a final decision could be reached.
Albanese outlined a series of detailed economic, social and environmental investigations to take place over the next six months which would assess the impact and viability of an airport at Wilton. A period of consultation with major stakeholders and community engagement on the issue will also take place over that period.
Consultancy firm WorleyParsons, in partnership with Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Airport Master Planning consultants, will assess environmental and infrastructure aspects near the proposed site at Wilton.
In addition, Ernst and Young will examine the impact of the an airport development on the surrounding Wilton and Richmond communities.
Both the studies will be supported by passenger demand analysis to be conducted by Booz and Company.
