“While I do not support a second Sydney airport at Richmond, this is the subject of a long term debate; I do support proposals for certain domestic carriers operating from Richmond in the medium term,” Mr Hawke said.
“This could only work with the necessary infrastructure upgrade of the airport itself, importantly upgrades of existing road and rail connections.
“A RAAF base joint model is already in existence and working at Williamtown, a similar model could successfully be implemented at RAAF base Richmond.
“I believe the people in North West Sydney would prefer to commute locally to Richmond to catch a flight to Gold Coast or Melbourne or other centres rather than travel to Kingsford Smith.
“Airports are valuable economic drivers and employment centres and are an essential component of modern society.
“An airport in this region would bring great economic benefits, travel time reductions and job generations for our local economy.”
