A national imperative to establish a second Sydney airport could present the Illawarra with a solution or two to its transport infrastructure woes.
As we revealed yesterday, the NSW Government believes Sydney will need an alternative international airport in 17 years as commuter numbers take-off. In its submission to the Federal Government, NSW has proposed Williamtown RAAF at Newcastle.
However, Premier Morris Iemma revealed yesterday that Wilton, off the Hume Hwy 30 minutes from Wollongong, was also an option.
With a behind-the-scenes campaign to complete the Maldon to Dombarton rail line gaining momentum, we could see a couple of major capital projects working in concert.
But it will take more than luck to come off. It will need vision, a sound business plan and political will.
Let's imagine what the future could look like: a second airport at Wilton to serve Sydney, connected by fast rail. This fast rail could run to Canberra and, as at least one key player in the region proposes, a spur could be constructed to Wollongong.
Given the finite supply of petrol and the realisation that rail is better than road, this all has potential.
While no doubt there are sound reasons for a new airport in the Hunter, there is a strong argument that a second airport south of Sydney - at Wilton, Goulburn or even Canberra, and connected by fast rail - would create a strong transport network that would serve this part of the state for generations ahead.
Stay tuned.