The Federal Government has released the first technical study into Wilton’s suitability as a second Sydney airport.

The report also examines the potential use of RAAF Base Richmond for limited civil operations.

“Sydney needs a second airport sooner rather than later and there are limited options for a greenfield site,” Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Anthony Albanese said.

The study concludes that the development of an airport at Wilton is possible, but would involve environmental and engineering challenges.

“The challenges are not insurmountable but we do need to better understand their scale and scope,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese outlined the Federal Government’s response to the technical study, including:

  • conduct geotechnical analysis of the Wilton site to determine the impact mining subsidence could have on an airport development; and
  • commence discussions to explore the possibility of opening up RAAF Base Richmond to civil aviation.

The full report can be found here