The construction of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport continues to advance, with more than 20 million cubic metres of earth having now been moved and the project injecting millions into local businesses across Western Sydney.
More than $100 million has already been contracted to businesses in Western Sydney since early works commenced in 2018 to provide a range of goods and services to build Sydney’s newest airport, from cranes to plumbing, fencing and concrete.
Employment targets for the project have also been surpassed, with 50 per cent of the project’s workforce from Western Sydney, exceeding the construction phase target by 20 per cent.
When the airport opens in 2026, at least 50 per cent of airport workers must be from Western Sydney.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government is getting on with delivering this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.
“The new Western Sydney International Airport is one of the most significant infrastructure projects delivered in Sydney and one of the biggest earthmoving challenges in Australian history, with more than 20 million cubic metres of earth having now been moved across the 1,780-hectare site,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Yet despite still being in the relatively early stages of construction, the airport is already having a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people in Western Sydney, with local residents comprising half the project’s workforce.
“By 2031, the airport alone will support 28,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the surrounding aerotropolis will provide career opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including technology, logistics, science, creative industries and agribusiness.
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said as the airport continued to take shape, even more jobs and work for local businesses would begin to flow.
“With construction activities on site expected to ramp-up in the coming months, there will be enormous opportunities for local businesses and job creation across Western Sydney,” Minister Birmingham said.
“With billions set to be injected into the local economy between now and completion in 2026, this project will play a critical role in the ongoing economic recovery of the region.”
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, called on more Western Sydney businesses to find out how the Western Sydney Airport can help their business.
“This is a once in a lifetime infrastructure investment and we want to make sure that Western Sydney is at the front and centre of these emerging and exciting jobs and I encourage businesses in our community to see if there’s any opportunities for them to take full advantage of this investment,” Ms McIntosh said.
“I’m passionate about local jobs and ensuring our small businesses and families can be educated and work where we live. I look forward to seeing even more investment come into Western Sydney and I’ll continue to advocate for more jobs opportunities for our community.”
