THE possible impact of a new defence and aerospace centre at Badgerys Creek on Richmond RAAF Base was questioned by Macquarie MP Susan Templeman in Parliament.
The announcement at Richmond RAAF Base by defence giant Northrop Grumman in May that it would invest $50 million into a centre of excellence for defence and aerospace near the new airport prompted Ms Templeman’s speech.
She said that rather than providing western Sydney with infrastructure, support and an economic boost, Western Sydney Airport and the new defence and aerospace centre were “looking more like a vortex that is just going to suck all economic activity from across the west into one place”.
“We are told that it will create some sort of economic boon, with benefits flowing throughout all of western Sydney. At the same time, it seems that future defence industry jobs will be sucked out of my electorate at RAAF Base Richmond and into the new whiz-bang precinct at Badgerys.”
The new centre of excellence at Badgerys Creek is expected to generate 500 jobs.
“Northrop Grumman already has a significant presence at Richmond through its depot-level maintenance, repair and modification of C-130H Hercules.
“It is no secret that Defence has had questions for decades about the long- term role of the RAAF Base at Richmond, with Air Marshal Leo Davies' comments last year reigniting that issue.
“When [the government] talks about the economy of the west, it cannot ignore the rest of the west, including the Hawkesbury.
“Richmond is perfectly placed for an expanding defence industries role. In fact, that could provide the Hawkesbury with the long-term economic driver it craves.”
Ms Templeman also said the lack of a north-south rail link to the planned airport would disadvantage the Hawkesbury.
“There are no rail links for people in the Blue Mountains or Hawkesbury to get to the airport. According to the government, they are not interested.”