Springwood real estate agent Mark Barton is sick of the “Chicken Little” approach of Blue Mountains council in opposing a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek.
“The whole idea is the NIMBY thing… the sky won’t fall in,” Mr Barton said.
Mr Barton, who has been an agent in the mid Mountains for 25 years, was responding to news the council is getting together a working group to look into the airport and the draft Environmental Impact Statement [EIS]. They want eight community members to contribute to the group, but have also reiterated council’s strong opposition to the airport
“It’s good they’re going to get a working group. I’m keen to see a forum where all opinions can be voiced on the EIS and other issues [but] council is opposing the second airport and that’s another agenda.”
“It isn’t going to work, we need a balance [to the discussion]. We need discussions about the benefits of this large piece of infrastructure and the opportunities for tourism and employment, along with investment to update accommodation. It can’t all be against Badgerys Creek.”
Mr Barton joins other business leaders who have contacted the Gazette in favour of the airport, including the Escarpment Group’s Ralf Bruegger, who said it would be good for the tourism industry.
Mr Barton said: “It’s got the potential to bring in substantial funds in future development which is also sustainable with the environment.”
Mayor Mark Greenhill said the airport reference group would “facilitate ongoing communication between the council and interested community members on emerging matters relating to the proposed Western Sydney Airport”.
An expression of interest and selection process for the community representatives will take place in coming weeks. The group will also be open to interested councillors.
“I want to ensure that community concern is heard by the council and that future representations and advocacy undertaken by the council on this issue are in line with the views and opinions of the community,” Cr Greenhill said.
The draft EIS and Airport Plan for Western Sydney Airport have been heavily criticised by Western Sydney councils, independent experts, and the community. City entry signs and bridge banners currently displayed throughout the Mountains promote the council’s position opposing the second Sydney airport and call for a comprehensive EIS and fair flight path options.
After receiving around 4,800 public submissions, the final EIS, is not expected to be issued by the federal government until June.
