Chris Bowen (Prospect, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I want to address the House on a matter of key policy difference between the government and the opposition—that is, the importance of Badgerys Creek airport. This is a particularly important issue for my electorate and for those who live in Kemps Creek, Horsley Park, Mount Vernon, St Clair, Erskine Park, Greystanes and Bossley Park. Over the past several years people in these areas have expressed their concerns about the prospect of aircraft noise and the significant disruption that an airport in Western Sydney would cause.

The government has broken its promise on Badgerys Creek airport. It promised to make a definitive announcement on the future of the site by 2005. It is now June 2006 and there has been no announcement. On 10 May 2005, I asked the then Minister for Transport and Regional Services two simple questions:

(1) When will he be making an announcement on the future of Badgerys Creek Airport.

(2) What further studies, reports or reviews are necessary before he makes a definitive announcement on the future of the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport.

Twelve months later I have now received a reply from the new minister for transport which does not answer the question. The answer states:

The government has previously made it clear that it does not believe that a second Sydney airport will be needed in the foreseeable future. The position has not changed.

That is not a guarantee.

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