The Australian and New South Wales Governments, and eight Western Sydney councils have agreed on a co-ordinated plan designed to deliver long-term outcomes for the region, including new rail infrastructure, aerotropolis and planning regime.
As part of the Western Sydney City Deal, the Australian and NSW Governments have jointly committed to the first stage of the North South Rail Link from St Marys to Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis via Western Sydney Airport.
The two governments have a joint objective of having rail connected to the Western Sydney Airport in time for its opening in 2026.
The governments have agreed that they will construct the North South Rail Link as equal partners, each contributing 50 per cent of the funding.
Both governments will each commit $50 million for a business case on the full North South rail line to finalise a route and station locations, building on the evidence base of the newly released joint Rail Needs Scoping Study.
A market sounding process will test private sector interest in station developments and explore innovative financing solutions.
The NSW Government will also establish rapid bus services from the metropolitan centres of Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown to the Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis, and to Western Sydney Airport before it opens.
The parties have also committed to delivering the Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis, an advanced manufacturing, research, medical, education and commercial hub, benefitting from access to the Western Sydney Airport.
Land owned by the Commonwealth at North Bringelly will form part of the Aerotropolis.
To enable development of the Aerotropolis an Aerotropolis Development Authority will be established with NSW and Commonwealth representation on the board.
As part of the Western Sydney City Deal, there will also be a new streamlined planning regime for Western Sydney, to be led by councils through a new Planning Partnership. Accelerated planning and uniform standards will reduce cost for development, boost housing supply and protect airport operations.
The deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, NSW Government and the local governments of Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith, Wollondilly, the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Fairfield.
