Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese has delivered a blow to Bankstown Airport’s plans for the future.
Minister Albanese yesterday announced his decision not to approve Bankstown’s 2010 draft Master Plan, saying he’s, “Not satisfied that the draft plan gave the community sufficient information about the airport’s plans to allow for proper consultation.”
The main sticking point for Minister Albanese in Bankstown’s draft Master Plan was the airport’s seeking of approval for up to 32 RPT flights a day.
“This would be a significant change given the airport does not have any passenger flights at present,” Minister Albanese said.
Bankstown Airport Limited expressed its disappointment at the Minister’s decision, with CEO Colin Grove saying they’ll now review their options.
“The refused 2010 draft Master Plan clearly states that passenger services is a mid-to-long term objective likely to start at 16 movements per day progressing to a maximum of 32 movements per day in aircraft smaller than code 3C,” Grove said.
“We do not concur with the Minister’s view that we did not adequately consult with the community, as we consider that we have set a high benchmark in terms of Airport community consultation since the Airport was privatised.
“The Airport received 245 submissions from the public, which is evidence of an effective consultation process and we adjusted the draft Master Plan significantly as result of the consultation process.”
Bankstown Airport is now required to develop and submit a new draft Master Plan following further public consultation, with the current Master Plan remaining in force until a new one is approved.
Given the very sizeable costs and time involved in preparing an airport Master Plan and submitting it for ministerial approval, this comes as a major blow for Bankstown’s planned future developments.