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Safety upgrades at Sydney Airport will not affect the operation of its three runways, Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese has said.
The construction project will proceed at the western end of the airport’s east-west runway to ensure the runway meets international safety standards.
Mr Albanese said he has imposed 22 stringent conditions on the project, including installation of a ‘jet blaster barrier’ across the worksite to enable the eastern end of the runway to be used for take-offs.
He said keeping the runway open will ensure that surrounding communities do not bear “the full burden of aircraft nose during construction”, with some respite planned when weather and operational conditions permit.
While the upgrades may cause inconvenience, he said they are inevitable to avoid the runway being shut permanently.
“Safety is paramount, which is why these works must occur,” Mr Albanese said.
“Due to the aviation safety regulations determined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the east-west runway would be shut permanently if the safety works are not undertaken.”
For the project to be approved, Sydney Airport is required to meet conditions including ensuring a fair sharing of aircraft noise by introducing an additional noise sharing mode and maintaining a community complaints service.
The airport is also required to consult with the community, Airservices Australia and the Department of Infrastructure.
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