Region. Second airport studies

The federal government has appointed consultants to study the economic, environmental and social aspects of an airport at Wilton. While the government has ruled out the RAAF base, at Richmond, as a second airport the study would examine its use for limited civil operations The studies will cost about $1.5 million.

Region. Richmond for commercial use

The Tourism Industry Council is pleased that its views have been heard and taken into account with regards to the use of the Richmond RAAF base as a commercial operation, the NSW general manager, Andrew Jefferies, said. His comment follows the federal government’s announcement that detailed investigative studies into the social, economic and environmental impacts for the suitability of Wilton as an airport site and the Richmond RAAF Base for limited commercial operations. “The Council has previously advocated for the use of Richmond to be used for low cost carrier operations, following upon the success of Avalon Airport, west of Melbourne, Newcastle and Gold Coast Airports,” he said.

Richmond. Spillover airport

The federal government’s review into the location of the second airport for Sydney is expected to be released soon. The Sydney Morning Herald said “it is understood it will shy away from a making a definitive statement ... instead it is more likely to recommend using a Royal Australian Air Force base at Richmond as a spillover airport for some domestic flights and then nominate several long-term opinions for a second site.”