MEMBERS of the Bathurst community have welcomed the announcement that Sydney’s second airport will be built at Badgerys Creek, but say regional services must continue to have access to Mascot.
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Badgerys Creek, 50 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD, was approved by federal cabinet yesterday as the airport’s location.
State Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said a new airport just over two hours away from Bathurst would be great for the city and a drawcard for those looking to relocate to a regional centre.
The construction of the airport, which is expected to begin in 2016, is predicted to cost $2.5 billion and create up to 4000 jobs at its peak.
Tens of millions of dollars of infrastructure investment will also be poured into Sydney’s west.
Mr Toole said the federal government needed to deliver an infrastructure package alongside the airport.
“It is very important that those accessing Badgerys Creek, especially from the CBD, can do so efficiently and quickly.”
He also issued a warning about the future of regional air services.
“My main concern will be to ensure that small planes servicing regional communities still have access to Kingsford Smith,” he said.
His concern was echoed by Bathurst Business Chamber president Angus Edwards.
“I fear regional flights might be forced out there [Badgerys Creek],” he said.
“At the airport in Mascot their sole intention seems to be to get rid of smaller aircraft and get big planes that bring in more money.”
Despite his fears, Mr Edwards said a second airport was needed to free-up more space at the existing airport.
He said if more international flights were able to leave from Badgerys Creek, it may free-up space for regional flights at Mascot.
Mr Edwards said while the airport would certainly move the the state’s economy further west, a Bells Line Expressway would be important for more job creation in the region.
Panorama Cruise and Travel owner Greg Tucker said a second airport was good news for those travelling internationally.
“It is that much closer to us and people won’t have the hassle of going through the city,” he said.
“People will be looking for flights leaving from Badgerys Creek as it is so much more convenient – plus parking at Kingsford Smith costs a fortune.”
Mr Tucker said the additional space would hopefully mean more flights and cheaper services for international passengers.
