Badgerys Creek gets ready for take-off
Prepare the cabin for landing.
After more than four decades of turbulence the federal government is about to clear the way for a second Sydney airport.
Sites to the north, west and south of the city, and stretching as far as Canberra have been floated to handle increasing air traffic limited by an 11pm to 6am curfew and hourly quotas at Kingsford Smith Airport.
A 24-hour floating airport off Botany Bay was even suggested.
Now cabinet is expected to give the all-clear to Badgerys Creek, about 50km west of Sydney's CBD.
"This issue has been debated uphill and down dale since 1973," Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said.
For some people the case for a second Sydney airport goes back even further.
As a young civil servant in March 1969 Peter Harbison remembers being asked to gather information on six potential sites.
"One of my first jobs was doing background research for a Senate sub-committee on a second Sydney airport," the now aviation consultant told AAP.
Since then it has been a case of one step forward, two steps back, including a sod-turning ceremony at Badgerys Creek in 1992 by then Labor aviation minister Bob Collins.
Back then it was hoped the airport would be operating in time for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
It was not to be.
Nearby residents opposed the $6 billion development. Despite an environmental impact statement giving the site the thumbs-up, it stalled with the government of the day deciding it was not a priority.
"The reality is we need to start building," Harbison argues.
Once the deal is inked "you are talking realistically about another decade" before aircraft will be landing at a greenfield site.
That's because there are many issues to address including the likelihood of fog on the Cumberland Plain, fuel line and transport links to and from the airport. And there's another environmental impact statement to be done.
Harbison reckons the ideal solution would have been an additional runway at Kurnell on the site of the former oil refinery, linking to Kingsford Smith and providing adequate capacity for the next 50 years.
"But that's not going to happen."
He also thinks the military air base at Richmond on Sydney's northwest fringe should be used as an overflow airport until a new facility is up and running.
In western Sydney opinions are divided about Badgerys Creek, but support is growing for the development.
A recent Fairfax-Nielson poll found 72% backing for an airport there.
David Bolger, a western Sydney director of the Sydney Business Chamber, acknowledges not everyone in the region is convinced.
"But the tide is turning in western Sydney with most of the community realising the benefits," he told AAP.
Blacktown City Labor councillor Stephen Bali insists there is still strong opposition to the airport, but denies he's making a not-in-my backyard argument.
"This area is not the same as it was when the Badgerys Creek site was first proposed," he said, noting that by 2050 there will be four million living people in western Sydney, making it the third-largest economy in the country.
And residents would be living within 18km of the runway.
Bali says aircraft noise is only part of the problem, with air quality of equal concern.
"The only way the air can get back out is via a sea breeze and we can wait a long time for that."
Australian Airports Association boss Caroline Wilkie doesn't have any sympathy for residents neighbouring the airport site.
"If people are silly enough to move in next door, there are consequences to that," she told AAP.
"There wasn't development around the area when the site was first proposed so everyone who has come in since have known it was a possibility this airport would start up."
Wilkie says the Badgerys Creek proposal is "what makes sense" for the long term.
But in the interim there should be discussions about increasing the capacity of Kingsford Smith.
"The noise matrix have changed, the aircraft have changed – you can have aircraft coming in over (Botany) Bay earlier," she said.
"We could get a lot more access to Sydney Airport if there was an intelligent debate about curfews and caps."
The federal government already has approved Sydney Airport's 20-year master plan, which confirms capacity can be managed until at least 2033.
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell is prepared to back the Badgerys Creek plan so long as the commonwealth coughs up sufficient funds for road and rail links.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!