FED: Govt warned of backlash by anti Badgerys Creek protest

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-1999
FED: Govt warned of backlash by anti Badgerys Creek protest

CANBERRA, Aug 17 AAP - Anti-Badgerys Creek airport campaigner Kay Vella today warned the
government it faced a strong political backlash in western Sydney if cabinet approved the
proposal.

Ms Vella said she and about 250 other protesters against the project would put their case
outside Parliament House this morning as cabinet considered the issue for the second day.

She told ABC radio she hoped cabinet would not approve the $6 billion proposal by Transport
Minister John Anderson.

The proposal is strongly opposed by some ministers, including Finance Minister John Fahey
and Sports Minister Jackie Kelly whose electorates are affected by the airport site.

"I believe the federal government recognises this will have a huge impact politically on
the Liberal Party and the coalition government in western Sydney," Ms Vella said.

"If they come out with an affirmative decision for Badgerys Creek what we will see is the
imminent demise of the Liberal party in western Sydney and that could mean up to four or five
federal seats."

Ms Vella said protesters would today present a further 3,000 letters to the government,
following 15,000 forwarded by Ms Kelly.

She said siting the airport at Badgerys Creek would threaten air and water quality in the
area.

"We are talking about trashing western Sydney's backyard."

No announcement is expected this week on cabinet's decision but Ms Vella said the decision
should immediately be made public as it could affect local government elections on September
11.

"If they are going to make a decision, and if it is an adverse decision, why not announce
it now, why wait until they can minimise the impact publicly and wait until after the local
government election," she said.

"Do the honest thing...put the cards on the table and let's see how things stack up."

AAP msl/kr

KEYWORD: BADGERYS PROTEST

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