Study on construction of second Sydney airport at Wilton released

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese released (10-May-2013) a technical study on the suitability of a site at Wilton for a second airport in Sydney and the use of RAAF Base Richmond for limited civil operations. Mr Albanese said the study concludes development of the Wilton site is possible, but presents environmental and engineering challenges. Mr Albanese said Australia's Government would conduct a geotechnical analysis of the Wilton site to determine the potential impact of mining subsidence and commence discussions to explore the possibility of opening RAAF Base Richmond to civil aviation. Mr Albanese said up to five million passengers p/a could be handled at Richmond, but operations at the site would not alleviate the need for a second airport. [more - original PR]