PM Scott Morrison to ‘turn first sod’ at Badgerys Airport with construction to begin
CONSTRUCTION on Sydney’s second airport at Badgerys Creek will begin today in a historic move to ease pressure on Kingsford Smith and create a new economic powerhouse in Western Sydney.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CONSTRUCTION on Sydney’s second airport at Badgerys Creek will begin today in a historic move to ease pressure on Kingsford Smith and create a new economic powerhouse in Western Sydney.
After 50 years of debate, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he will personally “turn the first sod” on the $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport, which is set to be up and running by 2026.
Along with an international airport, the Badgerys Creek site will have a hi-tech defence, aerospace, agribusiness, pharmaceutical and biotech hub, with global defence giant Northrop Grumman, Amazon, Mirvac and William Inglis already committing to the area.
MORE NEWS
Two Aussie airlines to use Badgerys Airport
Residents complain gov’t forcing them to live next to airport
Second airport promises to be huge jobs creator
“For half a century Sydney-siders have talked about a second airport. Today, I’m turning the first sod on it. By tomorrow, the bulldozers will be moving and work on the Western Sydney Airport will be underway,” Mr Morrison said.
“The Western Sydney Airport will remove the handbrake from the Western Sydney economy. An airport is a gateway to the world, not just for people but for job-producing freight as well.”
Today’s leading stories
In total, $3.6 billion will be spent on upgrades to local roads and highways, in particular the M12, to connect the Western Sydney Airport to the motorway network and CBD.
While a large reason for the second airport is to kickstart economic growth in Western Sydney, Mr Morrison said Kingsford Smith is under severe pressure.
“You only have to be caught in traffic at Mascot to understand that,” he said.
“The surrounding approaches to the airport are densely populated, which means there are limits on the airport. That means that capacity at the airport can’t grow enough to meet the needs of the city and the state.”
Today, Mr Morrison will emphasise the 11,000 jobs that will be created while the airport is built, with an additional 13,000 direct jobs five years after opening and another 14,000 jobs in nearby hotels and businesses.
He said the airport would create “local jobs for locals”, with an aim to hire 30 per cent of people from Western Sydney during the construction phase, rising to 50 per cent afterwards.
“This is job-generating infrastructure,” he said.
“At the moment, 30 per cent of workers who live in Western Sydney work elsewhere. By offering more local jobs, this new ‘aerotropolis’ will reduce the daily commute east and … cut commute and congestion times.”
While some federal Labor MPs have protested against the second airport, most of the party supports its construction.
Originally published as PM Scott Morrison to ‘turn first sod’ at Badgerys Airport with construction to begin
Join the conversation
Batten down the hatches: Severe thunderstorms lash Sydney
Dangerous weather conditions have begun to hit Sydney, with a bleak forecast for much of the state – including heavy rain, damaging wind and hailstones. HERE’S WHAT IS IN STORE.
Read more
Drunk driver’s high risk need for speed slammed in court
A young man who led cops on a wild highway chase at speeds in excess of 200km/h while nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit, has been told he was lucky he didn’t kill anyone.
Read more