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19 Feb, 2014

Sydney Airport 20-year Master Plan Approved

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Canberra, Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Media Release, 18 February 2014 – Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced that he has approved Sydney Airport’s 2014 Master Plan.  Sydney Airport submitted the plan to the Deputy Prime Minister in December 2013.

Mr Truss said the Master Plan meets the requirements of the Airport Act 1996 and sets out Sydney Airport’s strategic direction for the next 20 years.

“I welcome Sydney Airport’s proposal to undertake significant infrastructure upgrades to help accommodate expected growth in passenger and aircraft movements, and to more evenly distribute aviation activity across the airfield and between terminal precincts,” Mr Truss said.

“While the plan sets out plans to use the airport’s limited growth potential to full effect, it does not change the underlying constraints on the site and it is clear the Sydney region will need another major airport to cope with soaring demand.

“We believe in Sydney Airport. It is one of the most important pieces of transport and economic infrastructure in Australia, and the Government will support measures to increase the efficiency of the airport.

“The Government’s commitment to WestConnex and the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal will help to improve efficiency at Sydney Airport by reducing congestion in the airport/Port Botany precinct and allowing better access to the airport.

“Even with all of that investment, approval of the Airport’s Master Plan today does not negate the need for a second airport. The Government is proceeding with its commitment to make a decision on the location of a new airport within its first term.”

Today, the airport supports 28,000 direct jobs and 283,700 jobs indirectly, while making an economic contribution of $27.6 billion, equivalent to 6 per cent of the NSW economy and 2 per cent of the Australian economy.

“Sydney Airport estimates the infrastructure development proposed in the Master Plan will see the airport’s economic contribution further increase to 400,000 jobs and over $42 billion per year by 2033, while also better connecting Australians with the world and each other,” Mr Truss said.

“I have asked Sydney Airport to report to me annually on the implementation status and timing of the proposed developments outlined in the Plan.

“The Master Plan anticipates significant growth in aviation demand at Sydney Airport over the next 20 years with a continued increase in aircraft movements. Community and industry stakeholders made a significant contribution to the development of the Master Plan, and I expect Sydney Airport to continue to consult broadly throughout its implementation.

“Aircraft noise is a concern for residents living in close proximity to Sydney Airport and the Plan includes updated aircraft noise forecasts. Compared to the forecasts published with the last Master Plan, these show a reduction in the areas likely to be affected. The Master Plan also includes a plan to significantly improve the road network at the airport and the integration with off airport road works, to reduce traffic congestion and increase road network capacity.

“I encourage Sydney Airport to continue to work with the NSW Government to improve the road network and public transport connections. Approval of the Master Plan does not constitute approval of the significant developments outlined in it. Major developments will require further planning processes, community consultation and approval before going ahead.”

Sydney Airport is required to publish the final Master Plan within 50 business days.