Minister for infrastructure and transport Darren Chester said the proposed airport would be a catalyst for economic growth and investment in Western Sydney for decades to come.
“Work towards an airport commencing operations in the mid-2020s is under way, with buildings being cleared and minor roads within the site closing,” he said. “To ensure a rail connection can be established to the airport site when the time is right, we have allocated $26 million in 2016–17 for developing the design for rail access. The design will establish an exact route and locations of stations within the airport site, so that the land to meet rail requirements is properly preserved, including for tunnels and station boxes.”
Minister for major projects Paul Fletcher said the remaining AU$89m in the budget had been allocated over two years to undertake critical preparatory activities for the airport site. “This funding will allow for a number of activities to prepare the site, including managing the site security, possibly fencing around the 1,700 hectare site and continuing to plan for the relocation of the TransGrid power line,” he said.
The Western Sydney Airport environmental impact statement and airport plan are expected to be finalised in the near future, following the review of nearly 5,000 public submissions.
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