Major earthworks for Western Sydney Airport to begin in 2020
A critical part of works on the Western Sydney International Airport will begin next year, with up to 500 people expected to help deliver the next stage.
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Up to 500 people will be employed to help move an astonishing amount of earth at the site of Western Sydney International Airport, as work on the project shifts into high gear.
Major earthworks will begin early next year, with Lendlease Engineering and its joint venture partner CPB Contractors awarded a $644 million contract to undertake the major bulk earthworks package.
More than half the jobs will be for operators of heavy equipment such as diggers, scrapers and water trucks.
They will be supported by engineers, supervisors, safety, commercial, quality and workforce specialists.
Western Sydney Airport chief executive Graham Millett said at least 30 per cent of jobs during the construction phase will go to western Sydney locals, increasing to 50 per cent when the airport opens in 2026.
More than 35 heavy dump trucks and 60 scrapers will be deployed to move up to 75,000 cubic metres of material per day, with a total of 25 million cubic metres of earth to be moved under the package.
Works will also include topographical design for the airport precinct and drainage.
Recruitment will begin later this year.
Lendlease Building and Engineering chief executive Dale Connor said the company had a “long history” of delivering projects in western Sydney.
“As western Sydney’s future aerotropolis, the work on Western Sydney International will be a major contributor to the economic and social development of the region,” he said.
“This project gives Lendlease the ability to provide further skills, training and employment opportunities across western Sydney, with up to 500 people expected to work on this significant stage in the delivery of the airport.”