Major earthworks are now underway on the $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, reaching a new milestone on this massive project.
These works will pave the way for the construction of the terminal, runway and all airport infrastructure. This stage of the project is also expected to create thousands of local jobs.
About 10,000 Olympic swimming pools-worth of earth is expected to be moved over the site.
“We are getting on with the job of providing an airport for the people of Western Sydney that will enable them to continue to secure their economic future.
“Undertaking major earthworks will be a mammoth task, with 25 million cubic metres of earth to be moved, laying the platform for the construction of the runway, roads and terminal,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, this multi-billion dollar project will deliver vital infrastructure that will unleash the region’s economic powerhouse.
“Hundreds of workers and more than 200 pieces of earthmoving machinery will soon be on site, getting on with one of Australia’s largest earthmoving projects,” Mr McCormack said.
This new airport is a once-in-a-lifetime project which is set to transform the Western Sydney region.
“The Airport and the surrounding aerotropolis will multiply job and economic benefits by attracting business and industry to the region,” Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said.
With major earthworks ramping up, the number of job opportunities for Western Sydney locals will also have a boost.
“The jobs generated by the airport means thousands of local people, won’t have to travel in peak hour traffic to the other side of Sydney - or further - for work each day,” Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
Senator for NSW Marise Payne said that the $5.3 billion project will drive the creation of jobs in the region.
“The airport will support thousands of jobs during the construction phase, with many more to follow after it is operational. This means new and diverse job opportunities for locals right on their doorstep,” Senator Payne said.
“The construction phase of the project has local job targets of 30 per cent. It’s great to see the Western Sydney Airport exceeding this target, generating employment for Western Sydney locals,” Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said.
The new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport at Badgerys Creek is due to be completed and operational by 2026, with more than 28,000 direct and indirect jobs created.
“We’re looking at the jobs of the future coming into Western Sydney with advances manufacturing and export opportunities.
“The technical challenge ahead with the scale of earthworks will be a great learning opportunity for workers and apprentices in Western Sydney,” Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said.
Last year, the contract to deliver major bulk earthworks was awarded to the joint venture between Lendlease Engineering and CPB Contractors. You can read more about it here.
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Source: Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; The Urban Developer; 9 News