Badgerys Creek airport gets the go-ahead.

The federal government has confirmed that a second Sydney airport will be built at Badgerys Creek with construction starting in 2016.

Transport and Tourism Forum chief executive Ken Morrison said, “This is unequivocally great news for Australia’s $107 billion tourism industry.

“After decades of debate, studies and investigation, we congratulate the Abbott government on finally committing to a second airport for Sydney and to commencing construction in 2016.

“Importantly, the government also recognises the need to invest in transport infrastructure to serve a Badgerys Creek airport and Western Sydney more broadly and we look forward to more details in the coming days.

“We would encourage the federal government to help fund a full suite of transport infrastructure, including roads and a rail link connecting Badgerys Creek to the Sydney rail network.

“With the Badgerys Creek airport expected to generate billions in economic activity and support 60,000 jobs, there is no reason the federal government should not invest in a rail line to link the airport to Sydney’s public transport network.

“In the interim, with the number of people flying to and from Sydney is forecast to double over the next twenty years, the current restrictions will make it harder than it needs to be for Sydney Airport to manage that demand.

“A secondary airport is still years away so we need to take steps now to ensure we get the most out of the existing infrastructure to support the continuing growth of the visitor economy.

“We are urging the government to commit to modernising of operating restrictions at Sydney Airport to ensure that it can meet the growing demand for flights in and out of Sydney.

“Tourism directly employs more than 540,000 Australians and contributes $42 billion in direct GDP – this will continue to grow with the right policy frameworks in place to cater for rising demand for flights into Sydney, Australia’s premier international gateway.”