Second Sydney Airport—A Chronology

Updated by Richard Webb and Rowena Billing
Economics, Commerce and Industrial Relations Group
29 August 2005

Contents

• whether resources should be put towards a second airport or whether to further develop existing facilities at KSA
• if both further development of KSA and the building of a second airport are to be pursued, which should be given precedence
• finding an appropriate location for a new airport so that:

•   it is appropriate to the needs of an airport that is likely to grow
• it has a detrimental impact on as few people as possible
• its impact on the environment, including air and water quality, is minimised.

• determining an appropriate type of development:

• should a modest general aviation facility be constructed initially which would not be capable of taking large
• passenger aircraft, or
• should a facility be constructed to full international airport standards?

It has been a source of great frustration to some politicians, taxpayers, the airlines, the residents of Sydney and surrounding areas, and airport users, that these issues have been examined at great length and cost by successive governments, with seemingly few outcomes. In every postwar decade, governments have studied the airport needs of Sydney and possible locations for the second airport. Priorities and locations have been identified. These plans however, have been scuttled or delayed for a variety of reasons including changes of government and funding shortfalls.

From the nineteen sites that have been considered over these years, two remained in discussion in the 1990s, namely Badgerys Creek and Holsworthy. As campaigns against each of these continued to be mounted, discussion continued on a 'SydneyWest' second airport.

In examining the history of this issue it is apparent that while there is almost limitless rhetoric about the urgent need for a second Sydney airport, governments have generally hastened slowly. It is clear that for all the energies and costs that have gone into consideration of a second Sydney airport for decades, a decision, or a plan, seem little closer than they were years ago. It will be up to the reader to determine whether this has been a wise move, or whether this has meant that delays will make the eventual construction of the airport more difficult.

This chronology deals specifically with the issue of a second Sydney airport. While this issue is related to that of the further development of KSA, the chronology does not deal at length with KSA.

Locations of proposed sites for the second Sydney Airport



Note: The Gundary Plains site was near Goulburn. There have no additional site suggestions since this map was published.

Source: Department of Aviation. Second Sydney Airport: Site Selection Programme, Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Ultimo, NSW: Kinhill Stearns, April 1985.



For a map of the proposed Wells Creek site see link


Chronology

Milestones	Details	Source Documents
1946 Investigation into international airport sites	A study is undertaken to determine the best site for the development of an international airport in Sydney. Sites studied include Towra Point, Bankstown and Mascot. Between 1946 and 1968, Federal, State and local governments discuss the Towra Point site, which is eventually ruled out because of environmental difficulties.	Department of Aviation. Second Sydney Airport. Site selection Programme Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Ultimo, NSW, Kinhill Stearns, April 1985.
15 April 1964 Reports of an initial study into the second airport	It is reported that authorities from the Department of Civil Aviation and the NSW Government are discussing the establishment of a second major airport in Sydney.	'Suggestion of new airport', Canberra Times, 15 April 1964.
4 November 1964 NSW wants Towra Point in Botany Bay to be the location of the second airport	It is reported that a study undertaken by the NSW government recommends establishing a second airport at Towra Point in Botany Bay. The study recommends that the airport should be built by 1980 when it predicts services at Kingsford-Smith Airport (KSA) would be at maximum capacity.	'Site for new jet airport is right on our doorstep', Daily Telegraph, 4 November 1965.
24 September 1965 The Federal Government recognises the need to identify a site.	It is reported that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works tables its report on the airport needs of Sydney. The report recommends that steps be taken as soon as possible to identify the site for the development of Sydney's second major airport.	'Decision urged on Sydney's second airport', Daily Telegraph, 24 September 1965.
January 1969 Major Airport Requirements for Sydney Study	The Commonwealth establishes a committee comprising representatives from the Department of Civil Aviation, the Department of the Interior, the Treasury and the Department of Works to advise the Government on the airport needs of Sydney. The committee is asked to consider the possible location of a second airport. The committee subsequently considers 11 sites: Wyong (North Head and Warnervale), Somersby, Richmond, Badgerys Creek, Fleurs, Marsden Park, Longpoint, Lucas Heights, Duffy's Forest and Wattamolla.	House of Representatives Hansard, 15 September 1971, p. 1344. Statement by the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Civil Aviation, The Hon. C Jones, MP, 12 February 1973.
15 September 1971 Government committee recommends a second airport. CommonwealthState committee to consider sites	The Government releases the results of the committee's work, which finds a second airport to be necessary. The committee narrows down the possible location to sites in Richmond, Somersby, Duffy's Forest and Wattamolla. The final decision is referred to a joint CommonwealthState committee. The government directs this committee to consider the Richmond and Somersby sites above the other sites.	House of Representatives Hansard, 15 September 1971, p. 1348.
5 December 1971 Opposition to airport at Somersby	It is reported that 500 people demonstrate against the building of the airport at Somersby.	'500 protest at Gosford', SMH, 6 December 1971.
22 December 1971 Duffy's Forest site ruled out	It is reported that the Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator the Hon. Robert Cotton rules out the possibility of an airport at Duffy's Forest because of its potential impact on Kuringgai Chase National Park.	'No Airport at Duffy's Forest', Telegraph, 23 December 1971.
19 May 1972 Consultants engaged to produce cost/benefit analysis	The Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Cotton announces that a British firm, R. Travers Morgan and Partners, had been engaged to undertake cost/benefit analysis of the alternative proposals for a second Sydney airport. The study will report to the CommonwealthState Committee set up to report on the siting of the second airport.	Senator Robert Cotton, 'Appointment of consultants for Sydney airport. Benefit/Cost study'. Press Release, 19 May 1972.
7 August 1972 Seadrome suggested	It is reported that Mr John Armitage MP advocates an airport at seaa seadrome.	'Down to earth about an airport at sea', Australian, 7 August, 1972.
2 December 1972 Change of Government	Federal Election. Whitlam ALP Government replaces McMahon LIB-CP Government	Parliamentary Handbook. Canberra, Department of the Parliamentary Library, 1996.
July 1973 Environmental Impact Studies published	The CommonwealthState committee publishes its report on the Environmental Impact Studies completed for each airport site proposed.	Commonwealth / State Committee Planning Sydney Airports. Report on the Environmental Impact Study (Stage 1) of Alternative Airport Sites for Sydney. Volume 2 Summary Report. Environmental Study Group, July 1973.
27 August 1973 Cabinet rejects recommendation that KSA be expanded before second airport built	It is reported that Cabinet considers the report of the CommonwealthState committee, which recommends extending the capacity of KSA before constructing a new airport. Cabinet rejects the recommendations, and a second airport site is chosen.	'Airport site', Sun, 28 August 1973.
28 August 1973 Galston chosen as the location of the airport	Minister for Transport The Hon. Mr Charlie Jones, MP announces the decision to site the second Sydney airport at Galston, northwest of Sydney.	Department of civil aviation, 'Sydney second airport site chosen', Press Release, 28 August 1973.
12 September 1973 Protests against the airport at Galston	It is reported that about 2000 people travel to Canberra to protest against the siting of the airport at Galston.	'2,000 turn out to protest', West Australian, 12 September 1973.
13 September 1973 Caucus approves Galston. Recommends study of Goulburn site	It is reported that the ALP Caucus approves the decision of the government to pursue Galston as the site for Sydney's second airport. In addition, Caucus stipulates that another study be conducted into the feasibility of an alternative site in the Canberra-Goulburn area.	'Caucus decision clouds airport issue', Australian, 13 September 1973.
10 May 1974 Minister rules out airport for Galston	The Minister for Transport, Mr Jones, rules out the possibility of the second airport being located at Galston. It is claimed that the site is not feasible financially and environmentally, and is located too close to the Richmond RAAF base.	Address by the Hon. C Jones, MP, at the Baulkham Hills Community Centre, Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills, NSW Friday 10 May, 1974.
11 June 1974 Galston protest group advocates extra runway at KSA	The Galston Airport Protest Committee publishes a report on the airport needs of Sydney. Recommendations are the same as those reached by the CommonwealthState committee, that is, a new runway at KSA should be favoured over the building of a second airport.	Galston Airport Protest Committee. Sydney's Airport needs an outline study: The Spring Report. Galston, NSW, The Committee, 1974.
15 October 1975 Consultants report rules out Goulburn location	It is reported that the results of studies by R. Travers Morgan and Company and the Department of Transport are tabled in Federal Parliament. The reports rule out the building of the second airport at Goulburn because of the high capital costs involved.	'Goulburn airport plan killed in Parliament', Sydney Morning Herald, 15 October 1975.
13 December 1975 Change of Government	Federal Election. Fraser LIBNCP Government replaces Whitlam ALP Government.	Parliamentary Handbook. Canberra, Department of the Parliamentary Library, 1996.
4 May 1976 NSW report shows that KSA could cope	It is reported that a confidential NSW Government document shows that use of KSA would not increase as much as forecast, and could cope with air traffic until the turn of the century.	'Airport can probably cope, says report', SMH, 4 May 1976.
6 July 1976 New inquiry into airport needs initiated	It is reported that a combined CommonwealthState government inquiry into the second airport is to examine whether to build a second runway at KingsfordSmith or to build the second airport. This group is known as the Major Airport Needs of Sydney (MANS) group. Five sites are considered for the second airport: Holsworthy; Rossmore-Bringelly; Rouse Hill; Marsden Park and Nelson. The group comprises: Commonwealth Department of Transport Department of Finance Department of Environment, Housing and Community Development Department of Construction State NSW Planning and Environment Commission State Pollution Control Commission Traffic Authority of NSW Premier's Department The group is to:  review the airport needs of Sydney and recommend a strategy for airport development over the next 25 years identify future trends in demand for air transport and the likely timing for additional major facilities  the possibility of establishing a second airport if a second airport is recommended, the group should identify where it should be located, when it should be developed, and its role  take into consideration economic, financial social, technical, operational, environmental, land use and community attitudes into its consideration of the use of existing facilities  inform and consult governments, airlines, unions, community organisations and other parties, and submit an interim report as soon as possible, and a final report by the end of December 1977.	'New inquiry on airport sites planned', SMH, 6 July 1976. MANS. What are the major airport needs of Sydney? Canberra, AGPS, 1977.
3 October 1976 International association says second airport unnecessary	It is reported that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) considers the second Sydney airport to be unnecessary.	'Airport plans still up in the air', Sunday Telegraph, 3 October 1976.
27 May 1977 MANS group outlines four zones in which airport could be located	It is reported that the MANS group releases a pamphlet which outlines four zones being considered for the second airport. The zones include areas near Annangrove, Richmond, Bringelly and Holsworthy.	'Four zones selected for airport study', SMH, 27 May 1977.
28 May 1977 Bureau of Transport Economics study shows that KSA could cope	It is reported that a study undertaken by the Bureau of Transport Economics shows that Sydney airport can handle increased air traffic until the year 2000 with only minor modifications. The report implies that past estimates of growth in air traffic have been grossly overestimated.	'Mascot can cope, says new report', Australian, 28 May 1977.
1 March 1978 Holsworthy eliminated as a possible site for airport	It is reported that the Holsworthy site is dropped from those being considered by the MANS group because of an unknown number of unexploded military projectiles which litter the site.	'Holsworthy rejected as site for airport', SMH, 1 March 1978.
12 June 1978 MANS may recommend second runway	It is reported that the MANS group will recommend the building of a third runway over the construction of a second airport.	'Sydney misses out on second airport', Australian, 12 June, 1978.
1 November 1978 MANS reports issued	It is reported that the MANS group issues four reports which deal with the environmental and economic challenges being faced in planning future airport services.	'New site of new runway proposed', SMH, 1 November 1978.
28 May 1978 Opposition to KSA extensions	It is reported that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bowen steps up opposition to KSA extensions, calling for trade unions to place boycotts on any work to be undertaken. Mr Bowen's electorate is Kingsford-Smith.	'Opposition to Sydney airport extension', Canberra Times, 28 May 1979.
20 December 1979 Commonwealth members of MANS release preliminary report. Recommend third runway and second airport at Badgerys Creek, if needed.	The MANS group releases a preliminary report from Commonwealth members on 14 December. NSW representatives disassociate themselves from the report. The construction of a third runway at KSA is recommended. In the event that a second airport is needed in the future, the report recommends that it be constructed at Badgerys Creek. The NSW Minister for Planning and Environment, Mr Landa, refuses to accept the recommendation of a third runway at KSA.	'Sydney airport and the community', News Release, The Hon. Ralph J. Hunt, MP, Federal Minister for Transport. 16 October 1981 81/1708. 'NSW and C'wealth still argue over second airport', AFR, 20 December 1979.
8 October 1980 Labor pledges second airport	With a federal election imminent, it is reported that the Opposition leader Mr Hayden pledges that a Labor government would build a second airport near Sydney.	'Challenges fly over airport site', Daily Telegraph, 8 October 1980.
20 February 1981 Premier urges a decision	It is reported that the Premier of NSW says that the Federal Government should stop delaying, and make a decision about expanding KSA or constructing a second airport.	'Wran calls for airport decision', SMH, 20 February 1981.
15 April 1981 Prime Minister invites NSW to participate in process	The Prime Minister Mr Fraser writes to the Premier of NSW, Mr Wran. In the letter, the Prime Minister invites the Premier and his Government to cooperate with the Commonwealth to determine a site for the second airport, and to rapidly develop a parallel runway at KSA.	Prime Minister, 'MANS Study (Letter to NSW Premier)', 15 April 1981.
22    May 1981 Government confirms that airport will not be at Holsworthy	The Government reiterates its decision that the second airport will not be built at Holsworthy. It claims the site is unsuitable because of: its proximity to Lucas Heights its susceptibility to fogs the possibility of contaminating Worona catchment area the danger of unexploded shells   resultant air traffic congestion in the Sydney region, and the impairment of many communities.	Telegram from Minister for Transport the Hon. R. Hunt to the Hon. Les Johnson, MHR for Hughes, Opposition Whip, 22 May 1981.
22 July 1981 NSW rejects third runway	It is reported that the Premier of NSW, Mr Wran, rejects the Commonwealth's proposals regarding the third runway.	'Airport: Wran volleys to Fraser', SMH, 11 July 1981.
22 July 1981 Commonwealth condemns NSW's rejection of third runway	The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser and the Minister for Transport, Mr Hunt condemn the Premier of NSW, Mr Wran's, rejection of the Commonwealth's offer to develop a parallel runway.	Ralph J. Hunt, Federal Minister for Transport. 'Premier Ignores Facts', News Release, 81/1650, 22 July, 1981. 'Sydney Airport', Prime Minister, 22 July 1981.
16 October 1981 Commonwealth refuses to name a site without NSW cooperation	The Federal Government refuses to name a site for the second airport claiming that to do so would enable the NSW (Labor) Government to make political capital out of the decision.	Ralph J. Hunt, Federal Minister for Transport, 'Sydney airport and the community', News Release, 16 October 1981. 81/1708.
7 October 1982 Commonwealth announces third runway construction	It is reported that the Minister for Aviation, The Hon. Wal Fife, MP announces that the Commonwealth would proceed (without the agreement of the State Government) to build a third runway at KSA. Construction is not to start until 1984, and is to be complete by 1992.	'New runway pledge: jobs and less noise', SMH, 8 October 1982.
22     August 1982 Delays at KSA involving large costs	The Minister for Aviation Mr Fife claims that delays at KSA are costing as much as $30m a year.	The Hon. Wal Fife, MP, 'Airport capacity in Sydney', News Release, 23 August 1982, 82/58.
5 March 1983 Change of Government	Federal Election. Hawke ALP Government replaces Fraser LIB NCP Government.	Parliamentary Handbook. Canberra : Department of the Parliamentary Library, 1996.
27 September 1983 second Sydney Airport Site Selection Programme commences	The Minister for Aviation, the Hon. K. Beazley, MP, and the NSW Minister for Environment and Planning, the Hon. E. Bedford announce a joint CommonwealthState program to identify a site for the second Sydney airport. The program is to draw heavily from the work done by the MANS group, and is expected to announce a site after mid 1985.	'Second Sydney airport site', News Release, Minister for Aviation, 27 September, 1983.
13 February 1984 Commonwealth study into aviation needs of Sydney	The Commonwealth Government announces the establishment of a committee to inquire into the General Aviation needs of Sydney. The Committee is to provide input to the second Sydney airport and KSA planning processes.	'General Aviation Study for Sydney region', Department of Aviation Information Press Release, 13 February 1984, 84/009.
18 September 1984 Sites for second airport narrowed down	The Minister for Aviation, Mr Beazley, announces that the sites being considered for the second airport have been narrowed down to Wilton and Badgerys Creek. Sites that had also been considered included Bringelly, Darkes Forest, Gundary Plains near Goulburn, Holsworthy, Londonderry, Scheyville, Somersby, and Warnervale.	The Hon. K Beazley, MP, Minister for Aviation, 'Wilton and Badgerys Creek selected for further study as location for SSA. News Release, 18 September 1984, 84/79.
22 March 1985 Minister expects decision on site soon	In response to a question in the House, the Minister for Aviation, the Hon Peter Morris, MP, says 'I should be able to tell the honorable member by September which of the two sites has been selected' for the second airport [sic].	House of Representatives Hansard, 25 March 1985, p. 806.
3 May 1985 Proposed layouts for two sites released	The Minister for Aviation, Mr Morris, releases for public comment the proposed layouts for the second airport at Badgerys Creek and Wilton.	The Hon. Peter Morris, MP, Minister for Aviation, 'Minister previews proposed second Sydney airport layouts', News Release, 3 May 1985, 85/014.
12 June 1985 Draft EIS released	A draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Wilton and Badgerys Creek sites is released for public comment.	The Hon. Peter Morris, MP, 'Minister releases environment study on second Sydney airport sites', News Release, 12 June 1985. 85/026,
16 July 1985 Opposition prefers third runway	The Opposition confirms its policy that in government it would develop the third runway before commencing to construct the second airport.	Bruce Lloyd, MP, Shadow Minister for Aviation, 'Mascot priority over second Sydney airport', News Release, 16 July 1985.
2 December 1985 Decision on site close	The environmental assessment of the Badgerys Creek and Wilton sites are completed. The Minister for Aviation, Mr Morris, says 'It is clear that there is no major factor which precludes selecting either site.'	The Hon. Peter Morris, MP, Minister for Aviation. 'Second Sydney airport supplement released'. News Release, 2 December 1985.
10 December 1985 Cabinet defers decision	It is reported that after an hour's debate, Cabinet defers its decision regarding the location of the second airport until the following Monday.	'Airport site choice delayed', SMH, 10 December 1985.
16 December 1985 Cabinet defers decision	It is reported that Cabinet had deferred the decision on the location of the second airport due to a high Cabinet workload. The issue is to be considered at the first Cabinet meeting in February 1986.	'Cabinet again grounds airport decision', AFR, 16 December 1985.
17 February 1986 Badgerys Creek announced	The Government announces that Badgerys Creek is to be the site for the second airport. Land acquisition is to start immediately, but a timetable for construction is to depend on needs. KSA is to remain the principal Sydney airport.	The Hon. Peter Morris, MP, Minister for Aviation 'Second Sydney airport site announced', News Release, 17 February 1986.
20 August 1986 Additional measures announced to help Badgerys Creek landowners	A number of Badgerys Creek landowners report hardships that have arisen from the Government purchasing their land for the second airport. As a result the Government announces a number of measures to assist, including government assistance to meet the cost of legal and valuation advice and relocation and re-investment costs. Extra financial allocations are also made available to expedite the settlement of purchase agreements.	The Hon. Tom Uren, MP, Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services 'Second Sydney Airport', Media Statement, 20 August 1986.
12 April 1988 Calls for third runway at KSA	It is reported that the general manager of Sydney airport, Mr Peter Snelling, calls for the construction of a third runway and other measures to help ease congestion at the airport in the short term, as the construction of the second airport would take many years.	'Call for third Sydney runway', AFR, 12 April 1988.
November 1988 Report finds that third runway or second airport necessary as soon as possible	The report of the Joint CommonwealthNew South Wales Government task force is published. In the Summary of Findings, the report states: The planning and construction of a third runway at KSA and/or the development of Badgerys Creek should proceed as a matter of priority.	Joint Commonwealth/New South Wales Government Task Force. The Airport Needs of the Sydney Basin. The Committee, November 1988, p. 1.
8 November 1988 Transport Minister proposes fast tracking Badgerys Creek	It is reported that Transport and Communications Minister, the Hon. Ralph Willis, MP, submits to Cabinet a proposal for funding to fast track the construction of the second airport.	'Second airport in three years', Daily Telegraph, 8 November 1988.
7 December 1988 Senate Committee recommends third runway after second airport	The Senate Standing Committee on Transport, Communications and Infrastructure tables its report. The report views the third runway at KSA as a possibility after Badgerys Creek becomes operational.	SSCTCI, The Adequacy of International Terminal and Aircraft Handling Facilities at Sydney Airport, Canberra, Senate, December 1988.
8 December 1988 NSW report finds third runway not immediately necessary	The NSW Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Garry West, MLA, strongly criticises the Senate Transport and Communications Committee's report on KSA, which found that a third runway would not be necessary in the short term.	Garry West, Chief Secretary and Minister for Tourism, Press Release, 8 December 1988.
13 December 1988 Premier questions safety at KSA	It is reported that the NSW Premier, the Hon. Nick Greiner, MLA, said that KSA is operating 'on the edge' of acceptable safety standards because of a decision by the Federal Government not to build the third runway.	'Airport 'on edge' of safety standards', Australian, 13 December 1988.
12 February 1989 Minister and Premier disagree on construction time	The Minister for Transport and Communications Support, the Hon. Gary Punch, MP, is reported to have said that the second airport could be up and running at Badgerys Creek within three years. This is described by the Premier of NSW, Nick Greiner as 'ludicrous', as construction was likely to take at least 10 years.	'Battle for the airport hotting up', Sunday Telegraph, 12 February, 1989. The Hon. Nick Greiner, Premier of New South Wales, Australia. News Release. 7 February 1989.
7 March 1989 Cabinet discusses second airport plan	It is reported that the Minister for Transport and Communications, the Hon. Ralph Willis, MP, presents Cabinet with a proposal for the second airport. The submission is opposed by the Departments of Treasury and Finance. After some discussion, the decision is deferred.	'Fed Govt remains undecided on Sydney runway proposals', AFR, 7 March 1989.
10 March 1989 Cabinet discusses second airport plan	It is reported that Cabinet meets to discuss the third runway and the second airport. A decision is deferred.	'Pressure builds as ministers thrash out a solution', Daily Telegraph, 11 March 1989.
14 March 1989 Cabinet defers decision on airport	It is reported that Cabinet had again deferred its decision on the airports.	'Cabinet ducks runway ruling', SMH, 15 March 1989.
21 March 1989 Cabinet discusses second airport plan	It is reported that Cabinet meets to discuss the airports. Discussions last for several hours.	'Sydney gets third runway', Canberra Times, 22 March 1989.
22 March 1989 Decision to build third runway announced	The Prime Minister, the Hon. Robert J. Hawke, MP, announces the Government's decision to develop a third runway at KSA (subject to a favourable Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)) and to begin the development of a second airport at Badgerys Creek. The remainder of land required for the second airport is to be acquired, and a general aviation facility to be constructed immediately. Design work for future development is also to commence.	The Hon. Bob Hawke, MP, Joint statement from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport and Communications the Hon. Ralph Willis, 22 March 1989.
25 March 1989 Minister to be moved	It is reported that the Minister for Aviation Support, Mr Punch, member for Barton, which would be affected by airport noise, (who lobbied strongly against the third runway) is to be moved to another job in the ministry.	'Punch to get new job: Hawke', Age, 25 March 1989.
28 March 1989 Minister resigns	Gary Punch, resigns from the Ministry, and vows to lead the public fight against the third runway at KSA.	'I quit to fight runway: Punch', Daily Telegraph, 29 March 1989.
7 December 1989 Cemetery at Badgerys Creek may delay construction	It is reported that laws pertaining to restrictions on the exhumation of bodies may delay the moving of a cemetery in the Badgerys Creek area, which could delay the construction of the second airport until 1995. It is later reported that the bodies were exhumed in secret on 17 January 1990.	'New airport shatters peace of the dead', SMH, 7 December 1989. 'Collins has bodies moved in secret', SMH, 18 January 1990.
20 February 1990 Opposition policy-KSA to have precedence over second airport	The Opposition releases its aviation and tourism policy which states: While compensation to land holders at Badgerys Creek will be honoured, construction of a second international airport will not be undertaken until all possible improvements are made to capacity and safety at Kingsford-Smith Airport and the need for an additional airport clearly defined.	Liberal Party of Australia/National Party. Tourism Action Plan, March 1990, p. 2.
May 1990 Preliminary design work commissioned	The Government commissions the Federal Airports Corporation to arrange preliminary design work for general aviation facilities at Badgerys Creek.	The Hon. Bob Collins, MP, Minister for Shipping and Aviation Support 'Contract let for airport design concept'. Press Release', May 1990, 3/90.
19 September 1990 Study says second airport not viable	It is reported that the EIS on the third runway casts doubt on the viability of a second airport at Badgerys Creek, and claims that several million additional passengers a year would be needed to secure its viability.	'Second airport not viable', Australian, 19 September 1990.
19 December 1990 Some work at Badgerys Creek starts	Work on road infrastructure at Badgerys Creek commences. The Federal Government announces that it has allocated $20 million to improve road access to the site.	The Hon. Bob Brown, MP, Minister for Land Transport, 'Work Starts on Badgerys Creek infrastructure', Media Release, 19 December 1990, 285/90.
30 April 1991 Study shows no pressing need for second airport	It is reported that a study by Coopers and Lybrand had found that the third runway at KSA would obviate the need for a second airport until 2014.	'Badgerys 'not needed until 2014', The Bulletin, 30 April 1991.
14 November 1991 Cabinet approves third runway. Caucus divided on issue	After the receipt of a favourable EIS about the construction of a third runway at KSA, it is reported that Cabinet approves the project. Minister Peter Baldwin, and other Sydneybased Labor MPs speak against the third runway at a special Caucus meeting. Cabinet is shortly to examine a proposal to build a scaled-down aerodrome at Badgerys Creek, initially capable of taking light aircraft, but with the potential to be later developed into an international standard airport.	'Runway given go-ahead despite caucus opposition' Age, 14 November 1991.
14 November 1991 Local Councils in favour of substantial development	It is reported that the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils will mount a legal challenge to Cabinet's decision to construct a general aviation facility at Badgerys Creek, rather than a domestic and international airport.	'Badgerys lobby to challenge decision', Australian, 14 November 1991.
11 December 1991 Funds committed to second airport	It is reported that Cabinet had committed $54 million towards the immediate development of the airport at Badgerys Creek. An 1800 metre runway would be constructed to allow the airport to take small jet aircraft by 1994.	'Govt agrees to lift funding for Badgerys Creek airport', AFR, 11 December 1991.
3 June 1992 Parliamentary Committee to examine second airport plans	The House of Representatives refers the proposed construction of Stage 1 of Badgerys Creek to the Standing Committee on Public Works. Stage 1 is to involve the provision of a general aviation airport, with an 1800 metre runway, parking, access roads, and a modest terminal building.	Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Report relating to the Badgerys Creek Airport Development Stage 1. Canberra