The latest on Western Sydney Airport - Aerotropolis & North South Rail Link

7 March, 2018

Sydney's proposed second airport at Badgery's Creek Airport is expected to commence construction in 2018. WSA Co was incorporated by the Australian government in Aug-2017, charged with the design and construction of the new airport. Let's take a look at the most recent updates regarding this important development for tourism, trade and transport in Sydney and all of Australia.

WSA Co appoints CEO to deliver Western Sydney Airport project

WSA Co appointed (24-Feb-2018) Graham Millett to the position of CEO of the recently established company charged with delivering Western Sydney Airport. Mr Millett previously managed procurement, property and fleet management portfolios for Qantas, and a held senior position at nbn co.

Australian Govt announces Western Sydney 'Aerotropolis' and rail link deal

Australia's Government and New South Wales' Government, together with eight western Sydney local governments, signed (04-Mar-2018) the Western Sydney City Deal. Key details of the deal include:

  • City Deal is a 20 year agreement between the three levels of government to deliver a "once in a generation" transformation of Sydney's outer west, creating the 'Western Parkland City';

Source: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, and NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, Western Sydney City Deal

  • City Deal capitalises on the Australian Government's AUD5.3 billion investment in the Western Sydney Airport to catalyse investment, development and job opportunities;
  • Includes measures to maintain and enhance western Sydney's "unique character" by improving community infrastructure and liveability;
  • Rapid bus services linking Liverpool, Penrith and Campbelltown with the Aerotropolis by the opening of the airport;
  • Creating 200,000 jobs by "supercharging" the Aerotropolis and agribusiness precinct as catalysts;
  • Aerotropolis will be a "world class" employment sector for jobs in aviation, aerospace, defence industries and advanced manufacturing;
  • Skilling residents in the region and initiating an Aerospace Institute;
  • Respecting and building on local character through a AUD150 million (USD116 million) Liveability Programme;
  • Coordination and innovation via a Planning Partnership;
  • Delivering the Western Parkland City with enduring tri-level governance;
  • Creation of an Aerospace Institute in the Aerotropolis with an immediate focus of skills and education planning.

Australian and NSW Governments to jointly fund Western Sydney rail link, to open by 2026

As part of the Western Sydney City Deal, it was announced the first stage of the Western Sydney Rail, a North South Rail, would be delivered by 2026. Each government will contribute AUD50 million to a business case process which will include investigation of integrated transport and delivery options for a full North South Rail Link from Schofields to Macarthur and a South West Rail Link to connect Leppington to the Western Sydney Airport via an interchange at the Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis.

Source: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, and NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, Western Sydney City Deal

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian commented on final costs, routes and proposed stations for Western Sydney Airport's north south rail link rail link: "The business case will determine the route, station locations and final cost... This is about putting western Sydney on the map globally. We open a new chapter here".

To see the full deal, visit Western Sydney City Deal.