The construction of a Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek has long been a contentious issue for local councils.
Recently, a large part of the discussions surrounding Sydney’s second airport have been focused on transport infrastructure, with the Federal Government’s decision to open the airport without a rail connection widely criticised.
You can read IPWEA CEO Robert Fuller’s Q&A with Minister for Infrastructure Warren Truss
here.
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has announced 11 local councils will come together to fund an independent review of the Western Sydney Airport Environmental Impact Statement, due for release later this year.
In part two of our look at the Badgerys Creek airport,
intouch caught up with WSROC president and Liverpool City councillor Tony Hadchiti.
Intouch: Does WSROC support the construction of Western Sydney’s airport?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: Our ten member councils have traditionally been divided on support for the airport and there has been much debate within our communities regarding the potential economic and social benefits an airport could bring, versus the potential negative effects this development could have on our natural environment and communities.
Today, WSROC offers conditional support for an airport at Badgerys Creek with the provision that adequate measures are taken to protect the environment and local communities, and that funding is provided for transport and other public infrastructure.
Intouch: Does WSROC believe Badgerys Creek is the best location for the airport?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: Geographically, Badgerys Creek is ideal in its proximity to the industrial hubs of Western Sydney, however its proximity to the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area presents several challenges.
WSROC conditionally supports Badgerys Creek as the location for Sydney’s second airport, however this support hinges on the appropriate measures being taken to protect local communities and the environment.
WSROC will have further comments on this topic following the release of the Western Sydney Airport Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the coming months.
Intouch: What sort of discussions has WSROC had with the Federal Government regarding the airport?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: WSROC has held many meetings with the Federal Government regarding the airport over several decades.
Most recently, WSROC has met with Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, and has had several other briefings from federal departments.
These conversations focused on the potentially negative effects to our natural environment and living amenity of residents, including airport noise.
Intouch: How important will the airport prove to be to Western Sydney, in light of the huge population growth expected in the area?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: Western Sydney is one of the most rapidly growing regions in Australia. With almost two million residents, Western Sydney will soon be home to over half of all Sydney-siders. This rapid growth means increased demand for housing, recreational facilities, jobs and transport capabilities. Western Sydney airport offers substantial opportunities to address these needs, in doing so Badgerys Creek needs to be much more than just a site for an airport if it is to make a significant difference to the Western Sydney economy and the quality of life of its residents.
In order to maximise local employment opportunities and build businesses, the Badgerys Creek precinct needs to incorporate conference facilities, hotels, shopping centres, freight distribution centres, exhibition and recreational facilities. The importance of such facilities has become even more crucial as Sydney’s population distribution continues to shift west.
Intouch: Minister Warren Truss has said the approach to the airport and surrounding infrastructure will be roads first, airport second. Does WSROC agree with this approach, and what do you think about the decision to open the airport without rail?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: Absolutely. For too long road and rail infrastructure has lagged well behind investment in residential and commercial development; not only in Western Sydney but the entire Sydney basin. Our communities suffer from the lack of timely investment in transport infrastructure - particularly in Sydney’s west.
WSROC commends the NSW State Government approach to get investment in transport infrastructure ahead of demand as demonstrated by the North West and South West Rail projects. The Federal Government’s ‘roads first’ approach is to be commended however, WSROC would go further, recommending that commuter and freight rail also be added to the transport mix earlier rather than later.
Intouch: How does WSROC view the economic boost the airport will bring to the area?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: Badgerys Creek airport will generate a certain number of jobs in its own right, but what is even more exciting is the potential to build a thriving business and transport precinct; boosting the local economy and optimising opportunities for our residents. The promise of an airport has already proven a catalyst for both public and private investment; including the Luddenham Science Park and Government-funded road upgrades. We see this as just the beginning.
The Badgerys Creek site is located beside the 10,000 hectares designated as the Western Sydney Employment Lands and can provide direct links to both the northwest and southwest growth sectors. This provides a tremendous opportunity to build not just an airport, its supporting infrastructure and a range of services will form the nucleus of a residential, commercial and recreational precinct that will become a destination in its own right. Fortunately, demand is already there. Around two-thirds of all freight currently arriving at Port Botany makes its way to Western Sydney.
Badgerys Creek has the potential to be an augmented transport and freight hub delivering directly to Western Sydney’s key business parks.
Intouch: What are some of the concerns people have about the impact the airport could have on the region?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: The Environmental Impact Statement for the Western Sydney Airport has yet to be released. Following the release of this document WSROC will be able to comment on potential negative effects to the local environment. WSROC councils, along with Macarthur Regional Organisation of Councils, will jointly commission an independent review of the EIS to ensure that challenges relating to aircraft noise, environmental impacts and heritage are mitigated.
Putting aside environmental concerns, the primary challenges will stem from inadequate investment in the Badgerys Creek precinct and connecting transport routes. There are no challenges that cannot be adequately addressed with the appropriate investment in infrastructure and services complemented with sound planning and genuine engagement with local government. WSROC suggests a long term Precinct Masterplan that is fully integrated and appropriately funded for the timely delivery of public infrastructure.
Intouch: Are there any further comments you would like to make on the airport Cr Hadchiti?
Cr Tony Hadchiti: Badgerys Creek is a rare opportunity for planners to start from scratch and get the planning right.
The Government is spending over $3 billion on roads linking Badgerys Creek to Sydney. This is commendable, but we cannot and should not rely on just one mode of transport. Both rail and road options are necessary for a properly functioning transport system, and to cater to all members of the community. These links must be in place before the airport is completed.
The rapid rate of development in the south west of Sydney will soon see these transport corridors disappear if they are not preserved very soon. We need our Government to think, not just 10 years, but 20, 30, 50 years down the track. To do otherwise is simply short sighted, and continues the trend of putting off infrastructure development until it becomes problematic and far more costly.