Minister for Infrastructure: Formal consultation begins with Sydney Airport Group

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said issuing the Notice to Consult in August was the first formal step to fulfil the right of first refusal provisions contained in the Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport 2002 share sale agreement.

"Today we get down to business," Mr Truss said.

"A Western Sydney airport will see major regional benefits through creating tens of thousands of jobs and dramatically improving access to aviation services to support Western Sydney's growing economy."

Mr Truss said work was also underway to roll out the $3.6 billion Western Sydney roads package to support the growing Western Sydney population and the proposed airport.

"The Australian Government is putting together the elements of a world-class transport and traffic system while the airport proposal is being developed," he said.

"Formal consultation between the Australian Government and Sydney Airport Group, as part of the right of first refusal process, will involve a series of meetings over a nine-month period to explore options for a Western Sydney airport.

"In addition to working in good faith through consultation with the Sydney Airport Group, the Australian Government will also consult a range of other industry participants, including airlines and other airport operators.

"Following the consultation, the Australian Government may decide to make a contractual offer to the Sydney Airport Group.

"Any offer would set out the material terms for developing and operating a Western Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek."

More information on the Australian Government's proposal for a Western Sydney airport and the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/western_sydney/