Sat, 30 Jun 2018 - 08:18
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Media Release: Hundreds of jobs created as Western Sydney Airport awards major contracts

Jobs for locals will be guaranteed after WSA Co, the Government-owned company building Western Sydney Airport, awarded two major contracts today including the first stage of earthworks to prepare the site for major construction.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher today welcomed WSA Co’s announcement that CPB Contractors Lendlease Joint Venture has been awarded the Early Earthworks contract, which will see bulldozers at work on the site by the end of the year.

“Up to 180 workers will be employed to undertake site preparation, moving around 1.8 million cubic metres of soil to start levelling the site,” Mr Fletcher said.

“This project has been talked about for decades but the Turnbull Government is making it a reality with its $5.3 billion investment. Western Sydney Airport will transform Western Sydney, creating thousands of jobs and encouraging economic growth and investment in the region.”

The Early Earthworks contract also includes building the access roads and drainage required to enable major construction to commence in 2019.

Assistant Minister for Finance David Coleman said the Turnbull Government was focused on delivering the infrastructure needed to make Western Sydney an even better place to live and do business, with an extra one million people expected to live there by 2031.

“These contracts will deliver real economic benefits for Western Sydney and are further evidence of the tremendous progress being made on this once-in-a-generation project,” Mr Coleman said.

“Western Sydney Airport will be a catalyst for growth in the region and it’s great to see that starting now, generating more local jobs, even at this early stage in the project.”

Senator for Western Sydney Marise Payne said Western Sydney Airport would be a game-changer for her community.

“Along with our commitment to build Western Sydney Airport, the Turnbull Government is working with the Berejiklian Government to invest $3.6 billion upgrading and building new roads around the airport, to ensure our region capitalises on the economic benefits the airport will bring,” Senator Payne said.

“Both Governments also have a joint objective of having rail connected to the Western Sydney Airport in time for the opening of the airport.”

WSA Co also announced the appointment of global airport construction partner, Bechtel, to manage airport construction and ensure the project is completed with the highest safety and quality standards, ready for passengers and aircraft in 2026.

Bechtel designed and built expansions to Dubai International Airport and managed the construction of Hong Kong International Airport. The company is also helping to deliver expansions to London’s Gatwick Airport in a similar delivery management capacity as their role with Western Sydney Airport.

The first stage of earthworks is scheduled for completion in late-2019. Bechtel will work with WSA Co as delivery partner for the duration of the construction project.

Bechtel was also awarded a separate contract to support WSA Co in airport design development work. This contract is expected to generate around 20 jobs.

Bulk earthworks and airside civil packages are expected to go to market later this year.

FAST FACTS:

  • Three contracts creating up to 300 jobs have been awarded.
  • Western Sydney Airport will support over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and over 27,000 during operation.
  • WSA Co has local employment targets of 30 per cent during construction and 50 per cent during operation, to ensure the airport provides jobs for Western Sydney residents.
  • Western Sydney Airport will be able to handle 10 million passengers a year when it opens in 2026 and will be designed to expand over decades as demand for air travel grows.
  • There will be a single 3,700 metre runway when the airport opens, with a second parallel runway projected to be needed by 2050.