As construction begins on the innovative and highly anticipated Western Sydney International Airport, so do community initiatives. Teaming up with local government agencies and contract partners, the airport construction has had a number of positive impacts in Western Sydney. In 1995, the Sydney Airport Curfew Act was passed by Sydney Parliament and prohibits aircrafts from taking off or landing between 11pm and 6am. Fast forward to 2019, and this has become problematic for many of the 44 million passengers that travel through Sydney Airport each year.
While conveniently located near the city, and serving as Australia’s largest airport, the Sydney Airport faces other limitations aside from just a curfew. Constraints on land space, frequent interferences, and limits on capacity are fuelling the excitement surrounding the construction of the region’s newest airport.
In September 2018, ground-breaking construction began on the second airport for the Sydney region, 47 km from Sydney’s International Airport, in Badgerys Creek. When it is completed, which is expected to be by December 2026, the Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport, will boast 24-hour services, state-of-the-art design features, including a vertical garden and a grand public plaza. It is expected to tackle the increasing travel demands required in this region of Australia.
Large infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Western Sydney International Airport, can create jobs and boost the economy through the hiring of local businesses. Since construction began in September, CEO of the Western Sydney Airport, Graham Millett, announced that $37 million of the early earthworks contract has been awarded to Western Sydney subcontractors and businesses. He also announced that Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport is above target for hiring local labour.
The Western Sydney International Airport has also partnered with Liverpool City Council to improve bushland in the local community. Since the project began, more than 700 bushes, trees, grasses and flowers have been planted at Overette Reserve, which is located 15 minutes’ drive from the new airport.
An early earthworks joint venture contractor, Lendlease, played a large part in facilitating the planting of the trees. As part of a Community Day initiative at Lendlease, 37 employee volunteers donated over 150 hours to the planting. Community Days at Lendlease give employees opportunities to volunteer time and expertise to their communities.
According to Lendlease Group Head of Sustainability and Lendlease Foundation Cate Harris, last year more than 4,000 Lendlease employees globally joined community volunteers to support more than 240 Community Day projects.
This year, Sydney Build 2020 is excited to showcase individuals from companies who have been involved in the construction and development of Western Sydney International Airport. Aside from networking opportunities, Sydney build 2020 will have 21 summits across 8 stages that will include Sydney Transport, Government & Infrastructure, Architecture and Design, and many more. With over 300 speakers and exhibits, attendees will have an opportunity to learn, showcase, and network within the construction industry.
This Partner Content was brought to you by Sydney Build Expo. Tickets to attend are free and available online at www.sydneybuildexpo.com.
