A major new report by the Western Research Institute at Charles Sturt University has put forward a strong case for regional airlines to be encouraged to move to an upgraded Bankstown Airport.

The report, prepared for The Tourism Task Force, recommends a $500 million dollar upgrade for Bankstown and country based facilities to give regional airlines and carriers quality air access to Sydney city.

Report findings argue that continued, quality, metropolitan air access for regional NSW is essential for its future growth and development, but recognises current access to Kingsford Smith Airport is not secure for regional air services as the airport is running close to full capacity.

The report targets an upgraded Bankstown Airport (to be called Sydney Central Airport) as a much more suitable option for regional airlines when compared with the option of moving to the new Badgerys Creek site.

With estimates that Kingsford Smith Airport will reach its full carrier capacity by 2004 - 2006, the report aims to put regional communities in a strong bargaining position.

"Our research indicates that current access to Kingsford Smith Airport is not secure and there are a number of ways in which these smaller carriers can be forced out, especially if Badgerys Creek proceeds," Tom Murphy, Director of the Western Research Institute said.

"Moreover, access to Kingsford Smith is not ideal with many regional services being pushed out of peak and shoulder periods. Regional and country NSW has to ensure that it has secure air access into Sydney offering a better quality of services than we are getting now.

"Our proposals would see the new Bankstown Airport as a dedicated regional airport with improved services for country travellers, the report also offers long term savings in delaying the construction of Sydney's second airport currently proposed for Badgerys Creek."

In brief, the report recommends and offers feasibility arguments for:

• Bankstown Airport to be upgraded to become Sydney Central Airport (SCA) a dedicated regional airport for smaller aircraft and a hub airport for alternative interstate transport links.
• Runway extensions, new aprons and taxi ways to be constructed.
• New terminal built for the southwest corner of Bankstown Airport.
• Fast rail and road transfer links to Sydney CBD and Kingsford Smith (20 min maximum travel time) offering reduced travel time for regional passengers.
• Plans for reduced flight activity over Bankstown by relocating training services.