Under latest plans shared by the authorities, the Federal Government is looking is likely to use the Richmond Air Force Base as a temporary commercial airport for Sydney, in addition to the airport that is operational now. In the Government's aviation white paper, which will be officially released next month, the RAAf base is expected to be the top choice as a second hub for the city.

For a very long time now, the demand for a second airport for the city has been made by all involved. Aviation authorities have called for another operational commercial airport North of the Sydney basin, but closer to Newcastle. The new development would, at least for some time, take the pressure off Sydney Airport, which recorded over 3 million travelers last month alone.

Richmond has two things which make it an attractive addition - it is capable of handling almost all long-haul airplanes, and it perfectly suits the low cost airlines as well. While the RAAF serves as a temporary second airport, the authorities will continue their search for a permanent site.

The possibility that using RAAF as a commercial base as well would lead to heated opposition has not been ruled out by the Government, and it is prepared to handle the situation well.