Construction is set to commence in 2020 on the $11 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line, providing an economic boost as NSW plans its recovery from COVID-19.
The rail line will service the greater Western Sydney region as well as the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, which is currently under construction.
The project includes six proposed metro railway stations:
- Two stations within the airport site, at the airport terminal and at the airport business park
- A station serving the commercial heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis
- A station at St Marys, interchanging with the existing suburban railway station and connecting customers with the rest of Sydney’s rail system
- A station at Orchard Hills to service a future commercial and mixed-use precinct
- A station at Luddenham to service a future education, innovation and commercial precinct
Construction on the project is expected to support about 14,000 jobs, including 250 new apprentices.
Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is a key part of the Western Sydney City Deal, a 20-year agreement signed in March 2018 by the Federal Government, NSW Government and eight Western Sydney councils.
The new metro railway line will become the transport spine for the region, connecting travellers from the new airport to the rest of Sydney’s public transport system.
Under a new agreement between the Federal and NSW Governments, a further $3.5 billion will be injected into the project in time for the opening of the airport in 2026.
Artist’s impression of Aerotropolis Station
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment demonstrated the Federal Government’s partnership approach with the NSW Government.
“Working with state governments on bringing forward and investing even more in major infrastructure projects is central to our JobMaker plan to restore our economy,” Mr Morrison said.
“The new Metro and the new airport will deliver billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to Western Sydney, while establishing the infrastructure needed now and into the future.
“Getting work started on this project and many other infrastructure projects across New South Wales and Australia is critical to my government’s JobMaker program as we rebuild the economy during COVID-19.”
Mr Morrison said that in late 2019, the Federal Government agreed to bring forward $4.2 billion worth of infrastructure investment across Australia in an effort to secure jobs and support the national economy.
“We continue to look at further opportunities to accelerate projects in all states and territories,” he said.
Artist’s impression of St Mary’s Station
NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport was a key part of the state’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline.
“Now more than ever we need projects that provide jobs to support families and this project is major economic stimulus right in the heart of western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This project is moving forward, through the hard work that has been carried out by the Federal, New South Wales and local governments over the past year.
“The opportunities this mega project will provide are vital as our economy recovers from the financial impact of the COVID-19.
“It represents an economic stimulus in the middle of Western Sydney, supporting jobs for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, tunnellers, surveyors, crane and forklift operators and truck drivers.”
The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line is being funded on an equal joint basis by the Federal and NSW Governments under the Western Sydney City Deal.
The $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is being fully funded by the Federal Government.
New agreement will deliver jobs, long term benefits: ARA
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed the new cross-governmental agreement to inject $3.5 billion into the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail project.
ARA Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Wilkie, said the investment would create jobs to support the nation’s economic recovery while building a lasting legacy for the people of western Sydney.
“This is exactly the kind of jobs-creating infrastructure investment the country needs right now and we are pleased to see this important project getting underway this year,” Ms Wilkie said.
“It will not only create jobs to support our post COVID-19 recovery, but will also generate new opportunities for business and industry in years to come.”
Ms Wilkie said the delivery of the project on time for the opening of the new Western Sydney Airport would provide a significant boost for the region.
“A direct rail connection from day one only strengthens the case for the airport precinct as the region seeks to attract more businesses to western Sydney as part of the development,” Ms Wilkie said.
“This gives the region the best chance of making the most of the opportunities the airport precinct presents.”
The ARA said it supports any infrastructure investment to either fund new projects or fast-track existing ones as part of the post-pandemic recovery strategy.
“Investment in rail projects like this one provides much more than just a short term boost as part of our recovery,” Ms Wilkie said.
“This is a great example of state and federal governments working together to make sure economic stimulus measures deliver tangible and lasting benefits to our communities.”
View more information about the project here.
