Illawarra Business Chamber chief executive Debra Murphy said a second airport at Badgerys Creek would provide employment opportunities for tradespeople and construction firms in the Illawarra.
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‘‘For the Illawarra it’s a great opportunity for companies to gain work,’’ Ms Murphy said.
‘‘There will be billions of dollars worth of investment. ‘‘In the past when Sydney airport was developed there were lots of local companies gained work in the construction sector.’’
On Tuesday, federal cabinet finalised plans to build Sydney’s second airport at Badgerys Creek, with construction set to begin in 2016.
Wilton had been considered an option, however the existence of several mining leases at the location and potential for the project to damage Sydney’s drinking water supply quashed the proposal.
Wollondilly council mayor Ben Banasik welcomed news the airport wouldn’t be built at Wilton, but hoped the same 11pm to 6am curfew rules that apply to Kingsford Smith Airport applied to Badgerys Creek as well.
‘‘It’s a bit of a mixed feeling to be honest, obviously we welcome the final nail in the coffin for Wilton airport which was just a political tool of the last federal government,’’ he said.
‘‘However Badgerys Creek airport... will effect some residents depending on the outlay of the runway.
‘‘Curfews... should be exactly the same for Badgerys Creek because we in south west Sydney area don’t deserve to be treated as second class citizens.’’
He said infrastructure must be upgraded and a curfew implemented with the construction of a second airport.
‘‘I know there are mixed views and I am hopeful for employment... [but] I want the infrastructure put in the for front as well,’’ he said.
‘‘From south western Sydney you’re faced with car parks all the way to city. ‘‘There’s going to need to be a lot of cross road rail lines and that’s why I’m hopeful about it.’’
The northern section of Wollondilly Shire borders Badgerys Creek.