(1) When will the Government make a decision on whether or not a second Sydney airport will be constructed at Badgerys Creek.

(2) What consideration has the Government given to the concerns of western Sydney residents regarding (a) potential aircraft noise impacts, (b) air quality impacts in regard to community health, (c) water quality and (d) lifestyle change.

(3) What consideration has the Government given to the close location of the airport to Warragamba Dam, a major water supply to the Sydney area.

(4) Has the Government given further consideration to building a second airport outside the Sydney basin; if not, why not.

(5) Has the Government considered the proposal of a high speed train linking Sydney with an airport outside the overcrowded Sydney basin; in not, why not.

(6) Has a cost benefit study been undertaken into the Badgerys Creek proposal.

(1) The Government is actively considering how best to meet Sydney's future airport needs.

(2) Aircraft noise, air quality, water quality, lifestyle change and a wide range of other potential environmental impacts were addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared for the second Sydney airport proposal. The Final EIS, which was released on 30 June 1999, took into account the issues raised in the submissions on the Draft EIS and the comments from the independent auditor.

In a statement on 3 September 1999, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator the Hon Robert Hill, indicated that the EIS was the most rigorous and comprehensive in Australia's history. His review of the EIS found no insurmountable environmental issue that would prevent the project proceeding, although the cumulative impacts of the proposal would require careful environmental management. Senator Hill also made a number of recommendations to ensure that the environmental management regime would be consistent with worlds best practice. These recommendations are under consideration.

(3) The possible hazards and risks to the Warragamba Dam from aircraft using an airport at Badgerys Creek were specifically addressed in the EIS.

(4) The EIS discussed suggested alternative sites for a second airport both inside and outside the Sydney basin.

(5) The EIS discussed the feasibility of servicing an airport outside the Sydney basin with a high speed train.

(6) A detailed benefit cost analysis of the Badgerys Creek proposal was included in the EIS Supplement published in June 1999