Runways, roads, rail and terminal construction will soon be underway at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport with the Morrison Government signing off on a key earthworks contract.
After a rigorous competitive tender process, the contract, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, will go to Lend Lease CPB, who will undertake one of Australia’s largest ever infrastructure earthworks projects.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said work under the contract would move around 25 million cubic metres of earth on the site to support construction of the major elements of the airport, including the runway and terminal.
“With the ink now signed on the contacts, this huge construction work is due to begin in early 2020, and it’ll mean hundreds of new jobs on the airport site,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is a game-changer for Western Sydney and things are starting to take shape.
“The Airport is going to mean more jobs for local workers and more opportunities for Western Sydney.”
The award of this contract is another major milestone in the delivery of the federally funded, $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this was an important first step in the construction of a once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure project.
“The construction of a major airport comes around once in a generation and this infrastructure project will not only provide job opportunities west of Sydney during the construction phase but also beyond 2026 when it opens,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“When complete, the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will ensure greater connectivity to other Australian cities, regional hubs and of course the world which benefits all Australians and visitors.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said that in reaching this next milestone the project was entering an exciting new phase.
“Since early earthworks started in September 2018, more than 1.5 million cubic metres of earth has been moved,” Minister Cormann said. “But construction activity has so far only concentrated on a small portion of the 1,780 hectare site.
“With the awarding of this contract, we will see work on the site ramp up significantly. The contractors will soon be working across an area of around 1,000 hectares, leading to greater progress and more jobs.
Minister for Population Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the contract was one of the most significant steps in the delivery of the airport, which is due to open for business in 2026.
“We are keeping our promise to not only deliver a world-class airport for Western Sydney, but to turbo charge the transformation of the region,” Minister Tudge said.
“Stemming from the airport, the Western Sydney City Deal is delivering jobs, investment and infrastructure for the region, with work underway on a range of projects.”
Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said she was committed to delivering infrastructure to ease congestion and create more local jobs in Western Sydney.
“The Airport, Aerotropolis and Science Park alongside the Western Sydney City Deal will create over 200,000 jobs and opportunities to train our local kids in the jobs of the future,” Ms McIntosh said.
