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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 9 Hansard (1 September) . . Page.. 2739 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

In the five years from 1998, Canberra's international airport group will be assisted in expanding usage of the airport through actions such as encouraging regional airlines to locate at the airport, developing regional services, extending the runway apron, encouraging regular international charters and generating further economic development through increased activities, such as a service station, expanded car hire, parking and accommodation facilities. The airport could be upgraded for, say, 747 and 767 aircraft and other large international aircraft to become a major domestic hub servicing regional and interstate destinations, including regional feeder flights to Sydney and elsewhere.

The airport could also support regular international charters and niche scheduled international flights. The airport precinct offers real potential as an engine for growth in Canberra, with the potential to accommodate an industry park for export-oriented businesses, special needs hotel and conference facilities, and recreational facilities. Detailed studies of airports in major cities highlight their influence in driving economic growth and creating wealth and employment in their communities - jobs.

Mr Deputy Speaker, the potential for jobs growth related to transport development in the region is enormous. The impacts on employment-related social equity cannot be overstated - jobs. The Government is working closely with Canberra's international airport group in talking to regional airline operators. Studies by the Institute of Transport Studies have shown that there would be significant opportunities for regional airlines to dramatically grow their businesses if they based their operations at Canberra Airport.

We now have the opportunity to look at the really big picture. Here is a real challenge, but are we big enough to accept that challenge? I believe that we are. We are now looking at the opportunity to put in place the biggest infrastructure since the construction of the new Parliament House. I am asking this parliament to support my proposal that the ACT should immediately and formally advise the Commonwealth of the benefits Canberra offers as a major alternative in considering Sydney's international airport problems.

The Chief Minister has already begun the process with her public announcement of a grand vision which sees Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne linked in a coordinated modern transport network. The big issues surrounding the development of a second Sydney airport highlight once again the great opportunities that Canberra has to offer. The constraints in the Sydney basin on noise and air pollution suggest that a capacity should be developed further away from Sydney. Over recent weeks an increasing number of commentators have looked beyond Sydney for a solution. An area south of Newcastle known as Cooranbong is one example.

For a number of years we have been promoting the idea that Canberra Airport could be linked to Sydney airports, including Mascot, and assist with regional connections through Bankstown. The chairman of the Capital Airport Group, Mr Terry Snow, stated recently that the airport master plan predicted passenger numbers at the airport to grow from 1.8 million a year at present to 4.4 million in 20 years from now, and that is within its present boundaries and without extending runways. Mr Snow said that that shows

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