Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, upon notice, on 2 December 1998:

(1) Has his attention been drawn to the recent Sydney water quality crisis, which highlighted the vulnerability of Sydney's water storage and distribution systems.

(2) Will he ensure that there will be no impact on the drinking water quality for the residents of Sydney as a result of airport activities if the Badgerys Creek proposal is allowed to proceed.

Mr Anderson (Deputy Prime Minister) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) The recent debate on the quality of Sydney's water is a matter for the Honourable Member's State Labor colleagues.

(2) It is clearly not possible to ensure that aviation activity in a major city will have absolutely no impact on the environment. All reasonable steps will be taken to minimise the impacts of a second Sydney airport on the Sydney population and the natural environment.