By MATT NICHOLLS
BUILDING a second airport in Sydney has the backing of Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, but only if regional travellers get a fair deal.
As State Parliament returned to normal service for the first time this year, Mr Marshall said he was concerned that people flying to Sydney from the country would be shunted to the proposed new airport at Badgerys Creek, a lengthy distance from the CBD.
“I am worried that during the public discussion about the construction of a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek, there had been no mention of guaranteeing regional NSW continued access into Kingsford Smith Airport,” Mr Marshall said.
“In my mind it’s essential that any discussion and agreement from a state perspective about a second Sydney airport, protects now and for the future all current regional service slots at Kingsford Smith Airport.
“Having regional NSW passengers fly into an airport in western Sydney, so far away from the heart of Sydney, where rural people come to do business and attend medical appointments is simply out of the question,” he said.
“I will be raising this and seeking some sort of assurance that any support the second airport proposal may receive from the NSW Government has this as one of its conditions.”
While in Parliament, Mr Marshall said he would continue to pursue Health Minister Jillian Skinner for extra funding for Armidale Hospital to enable the almost three-year-old upgrade plans to be reviewed and updated.
“I want to ensure that we have an infrastructure upgrade plan that caters for the health delivery needs of the region today but also for the next 20-30 years,” he said.
“It’s also critical that clinicians have input and that the costing of the plan is as accurate as possible.”
Mr Marshall said he would also be seeking approval for helipads at the Guyra Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) and the Glen Innes District Hospital.
“These helipads are critical pieces of infrastructure for both communities,” he said.
