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Power line deal paves way for Badgerys Creek

A crucial element in preparations for the proposed $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport has been agreed to.

The new airport is expected to boost employment.
The new airport is expected to boost employment.

A crucial element in the preparations for the development of the proposed $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport has been agreed to, with a deal struck to move high-voltage power lines that will allow works to begin at the Badgerys Creek site.

The agreement has been signed by the federal government, airport owner WSA Co, and TransGrid to enable the relocation of a high-voltage power line that criss-crosses the site.

TransGrid, which manages and operates the NSW transmission network, will move the existing 3.2km section of above-ground high-voltage trans­mission line to an underground cable route within the airport site.

Urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher welcomed the deal, saying it demonstrated progress in delivering the airport, with construction to start in 2018 and the airport to be operating in 2026.

He said that WSA Co was already procuring the “airport enabling works” program, which is aimed at preparing the site so the main construction works program can begin.

The airport has been pitched as a catalyst for jobs and economic growth in the area, supporting about 28,000 direct and indirect jobs by the early 2030s.

The deal on the power line is a key step in preparing the 1780ha site for construction and comes after three years of planning, including feasibility and scoping studies, and an environmental assessment.

WSA Co chair Paul O’Sullivan said relocating the transmission line was critical before the company could kick off substantial works, including moving 22 million cubic metres of earth, building one million square metres of airside pavements, and building a terminal and associated facilities.

Work on the cable relocation will start this year with earthworks to begin next year.

Earlier this week, Mr Fletcher and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann issued their statement of expectations for the government-owned WSA Co.

Also this week, a report for the NSW Farmers’ Association by KPMG argued the airport could help support a fresh food hub, including the air freight of food to consumers in key markets such as China and Southeast Asia.

Read related topics:Sydney Airport

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/power-line-deal-paves-way-for-badgerys-creek/news-story/0fc9d8e7a6bca38a6ec1dbba41ad4605