"Australian Govt Approves Sydney Airport 20-Yr Master Plan"

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Australian Govt Approves Sydney Airport 20-Yr Master Plan
Dow Jones News


CANBERRA (Dow Jones)--The Australian government on Monday gave the green
light to Sydney Airport's so-called 20 year master plan to cope with
increases in passenger and aircraft traffic. 

However, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister John Anderson said
approval of the blueprint doesn't automatically give the nod to any major
developments on the airport site. 

"Any such developments will require the preparation of a major development
plan and associated environmental assessments, including extensive public
consultation," Anderson said in a statement. 

Sydney Airport Corp. unveiled its master plan mid-2003, declaring that the
nation's major aviation gateway has the capacity and infrastructure planning
in place to handle projected growth in domestic and international passenger
numbers. 

It estimated that passenger traffic at Sydney Airport would triple to
approximately 68.3 million by 2023/24, and experience annual growth of 2.4%
in aircraft movements from 2003-04 to a forecast 412,000 movements by
2023/24. 

Sydney Airport Corp. also said at the time that there would be continued
separation of the airport's international and domestic terminal operations,
involving some extensions to both building complexes. 

All air freight facilities would ultimately be relocated to a new precinct
on Sydney Airport Corp.-owned land north of the airport, but there was no
extension or duplication of runway infrastructure planned, and no changes
proposed to flight paths and curfews. 

The government sold Sydney Airport in 2002 for A$5.6 billion, representing
Canberra's biggest ever trade sale. 

Anderson noted Sydney Airport Corp. is committed to its obligations under
the Sale Act in relation to tackling noise and pollution from the airport,
while regional airlines have been given ample access to the facility. 

"Overall, the master plan clearly shows that Kingsford Smith Airport will be
able to cope with Sydney's air traffic needs for at least the next 20
years," the minister said.


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