The
decision to name Badgerys Creek as the site of Sydney’s second airport, with an
estimated cost of $2.5 billion for its construction, was given the thumbs up by
the Australian Industry Group.
Fairfax reported on Monday that federal cabinet was certain to agree on the site, 50
kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD.
The announcement came yesterday from prime
minister Tony Abbott, who claimed that up to 4,000 construction jobs were
expected to be created, as well as 60,000 new permanent jobs once the airport was
running.
“It’s a long, overdue decision
which, to be honest, has been shirked and squibbed by successive
governments for far too long,” said Abbott, according to Fairfax.
“I also 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.”
The Ai
Group was quick to welcome the decision, with NSW Director Mark Goodsell calling the decision “well
overdue” in a statement.
The site
had been purchased between 1986 and 1991 by the then-Labor government, but
fears about sensitivities around issues such as aircraft noise and traffic in
marginal seats have made things politically difficult for governments since
then.
The Ai Group and other business representatives have lauded the decision.
“Not only will such a project result in contracts and
jobs in infrastructure, transport links and airport operations – it will also
support the economic ecosystem for new industries around aviation and defence
logistics in western Sydney,” said Goodsell, who added that local businesses
should be able to enjoy the economic benefits from the construction.
“NSW and Australian-based companies should also be given a
fair opportunity to compete for contracts related to such a major development.”
Image: http://893fm.com.au/
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