Deputy to fight committee for a longer airport runway extension
A REBEL member of the Economic Development Committee will ask the States to back an airport runway extension against his own committee’s advice.
Simon Vermeulen, pictured, pledged yesterday to propose an amendment for a longer runway when Economic Development’s plan to defer the issue is debated by the States in the autumn.
He said he was uncomfortable with the figures, assumptions and findings detailed in Economic Development’s cost-benefit analysis report, and claimed that his colleagues ‘lack the appetite’ for economic growth.
‘As the committee for economic development, we should be encouraging opportunities for economic growth as that is our main responsibility.
‘This is something we shouldn’t kick into the long grass.’
He argued an extension would transform local business by attracting more people to the island to work in the tourism and hospitality industries.
‘I got elected on a pro-business, pro-growth mandate and I intend to stick those principles,’ he said.
‘We’ve got to find ways to deliver economic growth to the island. If we don’t, then GST will be back on the agenda.’
Deputy Vermeulen has the support of Guernsey Hospitality Association president Alan Sillett, who said that the GHA shared his ambitions for growth.
‘Economic Development’s media release clearly stated that one of the economic benefits of a longer runway would be an increase in visitor numbers, so from a tourism and hospitality perspective we are disappointed that Economic Development lack conviction on such a vital issue.
‘We have empathy for Simon Vermeulen, who, like us, wants to move forwards towards growth.
‘What happened to the often pre-election cry from many deputies of “we must invest in our infrastructure”?’
Deputy Vermeulen plans to add an amendment to Economic Development’s policy letter, as well as a minority report.
He had aimed to include the report as an appendix to the policy letter submitted this week, but said he did not receive all of the technical information he wanted in time.
He was particularly interested in a new technology – known as EMAS – which could keep a runway extension within the current airport boundary, ensuring the preservation of the valley to the east of the runway, as well as the properties within it. It is being heavily promoted by runway campaigning group the Guernsey Aviation Action Group.
‘It’s a sound idea and could definitely be included in any future proposal,’ he said.
