A submission from Hills Shire Council to the New South Wales Government’s draft Metropolitan Strategy has called for continued investigations into the use of the RAAF Base at Richmond as a domestic commercial airport.
Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said that Council’s long-standing position is further backed by an Ernst and Young report which also looked at using the Richmond RAAF base as a commercial airport.
“Richmond Air Base has the potential to dramatically improve the commute times and flying experience for travellers, as well as jet propelling the North West Sydney economy.
“It makes sense to look at the RAAF Base at Richmond. While any new airport at Wilton or Badgery’s Creek would take years to build, a commercial airport at Richmond is achievable over the next few years.
“Richmond is already serviced by rail but could be further connected to Sydney if the North West Rail Line connected through the Richmond line. This council has advocated for the North West Rail Link to extend to Vineyard railway station, close to the Box Hill release area.
Dr Byrne said the economic benefits outlined in the Ernst and Young report couldn’t be ignored.
“If the airport at Richmond went ahead, it would employ between 300–500 full-time workers during the construction period and up to 3700 people by the time the airport is at capacity in 2035.
“The airport could also provide an additional 3000 jobs within the North West region, in areas including The Hills, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Blacktown and Penrith.
“While they’re good enough reasons to investigate the airport in itself – the fact that the airport would increase accessibility to North West residents is also important.
“North West residents need to leave their homes several hours in advance to catch a plane at Sydney Kingsford Smith airport, particularly if they have to commute during the morning or afternoon peak.”
Estimates in the report suggest the Richmond Airport could increase NSW Gross State Product (GSP) by $292 million by 2025.
“All levels of government should come together and investigate the best possible way to maintain Sydney’s status as a truly global city.”
Dr Byrne said that Sydney, NSW and Australia faced stiff financial penalties if they did not act.
“The report warns that not expanding our aviation capacity could cost NSW $17.5 billion in foregone GSP and $34 billion in foregone Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Australia.
“Let’s stop putting off this difficult decision for the next generation to deal with. We should act now.
“An airport at Richmond would be a win for travellers, a win for the growing North West and a win for greater Sydney.”
