Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill has reaffirmed his opposition to a second Sydney airport proposed for Badgerys Creek and fired a pot shot at the Western Sydney Region of Councils (WSROC) for calling on the federal government for more infrastructure-related information.
In a statement released on March 7, WSROC president Tony Hadchiti said: “What we need now is to see the details of the government’s proposal, if there is one, and allow us to decide whether or not to support the airport based on what is in the best interests of our residents.”
Calling the government’s suggested figure of $200 million for additional infrastructure spending as “barely a drop in the bucket”, Mr Hadchiti said “our councils would be more likely to support the airport if we can see genuine benefits for our region”.
Clr Greenhill slammed Mr Hadchiti’s comments, telling the Gazette “the current president of WSROC has no right to suggest our views on this could change”.
“I oppose it, Blue Mountains City Council opposes it.
“It is interesting to see people supporting an airport ahead of any flight paths being known.
“I wonder how many will still support the proposition when these are announced.”
In other developments, Blacktown City Council hosted a public forum on March 11 attended by about 300 people who heard panel members speak for and against an airport at Badgerys Creek.
Sydney Business Chamber director David Borger based his strong support for the Badgerys Creek site on the creation of jobs in western Sydney, but was drowned out at times by boos from a large section of the audience.
Joanne Crosthwaite, who fought against a Badgerys Creek airport 20 years ago, said: “Yes, we have to have jobs . . . but we have to protect quality of life.”
Wentworth Falls resident Libby Blackburn, who attended the forum and opposes an airport at Badgerys Creek, told the Gazette her biggest issues are impacts on the Blue Mountains region from aircraft noise and pollution.
“Regardless of the runway directions the Blue Mountains will have to be impacted,” she said.
“They are talking about a 24/7 airport, so there won’t even be a break at night.
“Our quality of life will be severely damaged,” she said.
