Airport City: The Growth of Western Sydney

Last month, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a $20 billion plan to transform Western Sydney into airport paradise.

Federalism demonstrated unity, as all three levels of government came together to announce what was called a “historic” partnership. A plan that will take twenty years is set to transform Western Sydney into a-called ‘aerotropolis’ that will feature a new airport, rail link and institute of aerospace. The federal government will contribute $5.3 billion for Badgerys Creek Airport. NSW will contribute $7 billion for the new rail link. The NSW and Federal Governments will jointly fund $100 million ‘case’ in order to identify possible sites to build rail link stations. It is a significant financial investment in infrastructure. John Maynard Keyes would be proud.

Airport in Western Sydney to provide lots of jobs

A bold statement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian; “[People] won’t be looking East for the best jobs, they’ll be looking West for the best jobs”.

The federal government claims that the large-scale project will create 200,000 new jobs in the area. And not just in aviation. Retail, road and rail transport, manufacturing, construction – business will no doubt be booming.

That was a fact made clear at this year’s 2nd Annual Western Sydney Aerotropolis Summit. Badgery’s Creek is labelled as a “once-in-a-lifetime gamechanger“. At the summit, chairman David Borger, of the Western Sydney Business Chamber, led two days of a buzzing summit where people expressed optimism for the future of the city.

Problems that come with growth

There will of course be many issues to face. Last year, we already saw The Castle-like case of Lorraine Watkins (pictured below), a resident of 10 years at Longleys Road, Badgerys Creek, who suddenly faced eviction. She lost a Federal Court appeal against the Commonwealth, who found her eviction lawful. She also failed on her appeal to the High Court.

There will no doubt be other uncertainties. Aircraft noise is a particularly onerous issue. The Federal Government insists that new technologies will limit the noise of the airport. But some have labelled that notion a ‘con job‘. The environmental impact of the aerotropolis are sure to keep environmental proponents closely watching too. Some experts have argued that no matter how hard we try, aviation will still be a plague on nature.

But no matter what, these are fruitful times to come and clients have tremendous opportunities with the announcement of aerotropolis.

Avlaw Aviation Consulting have experts in aviation, project development, auditing and construction approvals. Those who wish to build sites near the new airport will face significant regulatory obstacles. We encourage you to contact us should you need assistance.