Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is an airport project which will see the development of a second airport in Sydney, NSW. The federal government commenced construction of the second Sydney airport in Sep-2018 after receiving determination in 2016. In Aug-2015, the government declared the Commonwealth-owned land at Badgery's Creek as the site for the new airport, complementing operations at the existing Kingsford Smith Airport. An environmental impact statement for the Western Sydney Airport was finalise on 15-Sep-2016, following a public consultation programme. The government unveiled its plan for the airport, stating it will develop a one-runway facility capable of handling 10 million passengers p/a. A second runway is expected to be needed between 2040 and 2050. WSA Co was incorporated by the Australian government in Aug-2017, charged with the design and construction of the new airport. Construction commenced on 24-Sep-2018.

---

Apr-2024. Australia's Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced plans to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the business precinct at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport on 11-Apr-2024. Ms King reported construction of the airport is 73% complete, marking 1000 days until its scheduled opening in 2026. Ms King also commented on concerns regarding the stalled project on the Aerotropolis surrounding the airport, stating: "The Minns Government inherited this project [and] they released the master plan just in February, and that work is continuing. I think they're looking at... a new delivery authority or a coordinator to oversee the delivery of that critical infrastructure". 

Mar-2024. 

14-Mar-2024. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport selected CDC Data Centres for its digital tower deployment. The airport will be one of the first in Australia to operate a digital air traffic control tower. It is partnering with CDC, Frequentis Australasia, and Airservices Australia to develop the system.

05-Mar-2024. Airservices Australia announced a partnership with CDC and Frequentis Australasia to develop a digital aerodrome service (DAS) at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. The airport will become the first in Australia without a traditional air traffic control (ATC) tower. The digital aerodrome will feature over 20 high resolution cameras monitoring the airport and immediate airspace. DAS enables new air traffic management tools and features including object tracking, night vision and image enhancement, allowing air traffic controllers to see beyond the limitations of the human eye. Infrared cameras will enable controllers to see more at night and during periods of low visibility. Digital aerodromes are already in operation in the UK, Sweden and Germany. 

Jan-2024.

25-Jan-2024. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport announced it completed construction of its 3.7km runway. Line marking and final installation of 3000 runway lights will be undertaken later in 2024. Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the runway's "smart terminal design" will enable it to provide taxi times of five minutes from both ends of the runway, adding: "On opening [the airport] will provide 20 more flights an hour for Sydney, which will give Sydneysiders more choice and placing downward pressure on airfares. [The airport] will have the fastest minimum connection times of any airport on the east coast of Australia. With international and domestic under one roof, transferring between flights will be faster and stress-free for passengers". 

22-Jan-2024.New South Wales' Government reported the following construction updates on the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line project:

• Nearly one kilometre of new bridge (viaduct) between Orchard Hills and Luddenham has been completed. The bridge will be 3.5 kilometres long, as part of the metro line;
• The foundation for the new metro station at Luddenham is also complete and ready for station build works to commence in Feb-2024.

03-Jan-2024. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport's terminals are "well advanced in terms of being under construction". Mr Albanese said: "The prospects for economic activity there in south-west Sydney are enormous", noting they will bring "considerable benefit" for western Sydney. He added: "I will work with the State Government and work with the private sector to make sure that all of the prospective activity is up and running as soon as possible".

May-2023. Australia's Government announced plans to provide equity funding to WSA Co for the construction of facilities to support border services and law enforcement operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. The financial implications have not been published due to commercial sensitivities.

Apr-2023. Amadeus announced it was selected by Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport as its strategic airport systems technology partner, ahead of the airport's planned opening in late 2026. Amadeus will manage a range of assets and touchpoints across the airport including flight data, check-in facilitation, aircraft stands and gates, bag drop, boarding and biometric services. It will also deploy the 'Amadeus Flow' flexible cloud platform to support passenger services at the airport.

Mar-2023.

13-Mar-2023. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport stated it entered an agreement with nbn Australia for the installation of 25km of fibre optic cabling, bringing NBN to the terminal and business park, to achieve the vision of "being one of Australia's most technologically advanced airports". The airport said it is also installing digital plumbing.

02-Mar-2023. Western Sydney international (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport provisionally secured its IATA three letter code more than three years ahead of opening, with the code 'WSI'.

Jan-2023. Western Sydney Airport, announced its runway commenced construction. The runway will be built with three layers of road base and two layers of asphalt and will have more than 3000 aeronautical ground lights. 

Dec-2022.

21-Dec-2022. Siemens Mobility announced it was awarded a contract to deliver a turnkey metro system for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. The EUR900 million contract includes the delivery and commissioning of 12 automated driverless three-car metro trains, a purpose built depot, digital rail infrastructure including signalling, electrification, telecoms and platform screen doors as well as system integration, testing and commissioning. Siemens will also complete a 15 year maintenance contract as part of the agreement. The project is being delivered as part of the Parklife Metro consortium. As previously reported by CAPA, the consortium was recently selected to deliver the stations, systems, trains, operations and maintenance contract for for the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line, including the construction of six metro stations, with a total project cost of AUD11 billion (USD7.4 billion). 

16-Dec-2022. Australia's Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King stated Parklife Metro consortium was selected to deliver the stations, systems, trains, operations and maintenance contract for for the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line. The consortium will construct all six new metro stations on the line and will be responsible for running line for 15 years after it becomes operational. The contractors will also deliver a stabling and maintenance facility and provide rail infrastructure and systems for the supply, commissioning and operation of 12 new metro trains. The Australian and New South Wales governments are working to deliver the metro line to coincide with the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026. The total project cost will be around AUD11 billion (USD7.4 billion). The awarding of the final contract coincides with Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport becoming the first rail infrastructure project in Australia to commit to being certified carbon-neutral from the start of construction through to operation. All carbon emissions generated during construction and operation will be reduced and offset.

Aug-2022. Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey announce the airport's terminal is developing and "Piling of the terminal basement is now complete and concreting has passed the halfway mark". The airport has commenced "the concrete pour for what will eventually be the entrance to international and domestic departures". Western Sydney Airport is on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026.

Mar-2022. Australia's Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher stated Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport commenced work on its 3.7km international runway. Mr Fletcher said the AUD5.3 billion (USD4 billion) Commonwealth funded airport was rapidly taking shape, with the entire project now 30% complete.

Nov-2021. Australia's Government announced Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport commenced construction of its new passenger terminal. The contract for the airside pavements package, which will include the 3700m runway and rapid exit taxiways, was awarded in Sep-2021, with construction due to begin in 2022. Bulk earthworks are around 75% complete. In addition to the AUD5.3 billion (USD3.9 billion) investment in the airport, Australia's Government has committed another AUD9 billion (USD6.5 billion) for the rail and road links for the Western Sydney region. Sustainability is a key consideration for the terminal, with the terminal designed to bring in natural light and reduce carbon emissions. The terminal roof will be productive, generating solar electricity and harvesting rainwater. Sustainable and recycled materials will be used throughout the terminal, including the structure, finishes and furniture.

Jun-2021. Terminal construction is due to begin at the end of 2021. The airport is on track to commence international and domestic passenger services and air cargo operations in late 2026. The terminal building is being constructed to accommodate 10 million passengers p/a when it opens at the end of 2026.

Aug-2019. Swissport signed an MoU with Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport to design concepts for an on-airport freight precinct and begin discussions about potential operations. The first stage of the airport is expected to process 220,000 tonnes of air freight annually via its proposed on-airport freight facility, with multiple dedicated freighter aircraft stands. This is set to scale up with demand, potentially handling 1.8 million tonne of air freight p/a in the future. 

Feb-2019. Western Sydney Airport (WSA) announced the airport's official name will honour Australian aviation pioneer Nancy-Bird Walton. WSA will now be known as Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. WSA is on track to open in 2026, with a second runway expected to be required by the 2050s

Jan-2019. Western Sydney Airport (WSA) called for expressions of interest to design the airport's combined international and domestic terminal, with competing firms required to have experience designing a comparable airport in the past five years.

Nov-2018. Western Sydney Airport CEO Graham Millett announced Arup has been appointed to deliver airport planning services for Western Sydney Airport. In addition, the airport shortlisted three organisations for initial earthworks:
• CPB Contractors and Lendlease JV;
• Ferrovial Agroman and QH & M Birt JV;
• Salini Impreglio.
The contract for the first bulk earthworks package is expected to be awarded in mid-2019. The airport confirmed there are four remaining major works packages that will be released to market progressively, including earthwork on the southern half of the site, terminal and runway construction, and landside construction such as offices and car parks.

Aug-2018. New South Wales' Department of Planning and Environment plans to rezone land around Western Sydney Airport to stimulate development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. Land for commercial and residential development is located to the immediate north and south of the airport will be rezoned from 2019.

Jun-2018. WSA Co awarded Bechtel a contract to assist WSA Co to manage the airport design project. WSA Co also awarded an earthworks contract to CPB Contractors Lendlease Joint Venture. The contract includes initial earthworks to level the Western Sydney Airport site for construction, building access roads and drainage, and will create up to 300 jobs onsite jobs.

May-2018. Western Sydney Airport issued the following community updates:

• Site works progressing well with the relocation of the major transmission line on track for completion by mid 2019;
• WSA Co committed to local workforce targets of at least 30% during the construction phase and 50% once the airport is fully operational;
• The Australia and New South Wales governments committed to constructing the first stage of the North South Rail Link from St Marys to Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis via Western Sydney Airport and completing the rail link by the time the airport opens in 2026.

Mar-2018. 

07-Mar-2018. Costco Australia plans to construct a 33,588sqm, AUD77 million (USD60 million) warehouse and distribution facility at Kemps Creek, part of Western Sydney Airport's planned 'Aerotropolis' economic precinct.

05-Mar-2018. New South Wales' (NSW) Government announced Northrop Grumman is the first company to commit to the Western Sydney Airport Aerotropolis development.

05-Mar-2018. Australia's Government and New South Wales' Government, together with eight western Sydney local governments, signed the Western Sydney City Deal. Details include:

• City Deal is a 20 year agreement between the three levels of government to deliver a "once in a generation" transformation of Sydney's outer west, creating the 'Western Parkland City';
• City Deal capitalises on the Australian Government's AUD5.3 billion (USD4.1 billion) investment in the Western Sydney Airport to catalyse investment, development and job opportunities;
• Delivery of the first stage of Western Sydney Rail, a north south rail link from St Marys to Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis via Western Sydney Airport;

An implementation plan for the Western Sydney City Deal will be released later in 2018. 

Jan-2018. Western Sydney Airport reported the following developments:

• Last remaining building cleared from the airport's construction site;
• 1780ha Badgerys Creek transformed into an active construction zone with preparatory works underway;
• Early stage earthworks to commence before the end of 2018;
• Works commenced to relocate 3200m of above ground high voltage power line that crosses the site to an underground cable route;
• Airport due to open in 2026.

Nov-2017. Australia's Liverpool City Council published a report by PwC, which suggests Western Sydney Airport "could give rise to a jobs and investment super region in a sustainable new urban environment stretching from Badgerys Creek to Liverpool". The report identifies five major business and investment sectors ideally placed for significant growth:

Logistics and distribution;
Food manufacturing;
Medical technologies;
Defence and aerospace;
Tourism.
Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the AUD5.3 billion (USD4.1 billion) facility "is the most significant piece of infrastructure to be built in Australia for a long time". "Our challenge - and our opportunity - is to ensure it becomes all that it can be for the people of Western Sydney and the residents of Liverpool in particular", she said, adding: "The Aerotropolis is where the full value of the airport will be realised".

Jun-2017. Australia's Federal Government launched a tender process for Western Sydney Airport's development project with an information session to reveal the key functional specifications for the new airport. Key specifications for Stage 1 include:

• A 65,000sqm integrated international and domestic terminal capable of handling 10 million passengers p/a;
• A 3700m x 60m runway;                                                          
• A full-length parallel taxiway with two sets of rapid exit taxiways at each direction of the runway and 90-degree intersection exits.

May-2017

10-May-2017. Australia's Federal Government committed AUD5.3 billion (USD3.9 billion) over the next 10 years towards the development of Western Sydney Airport. The government plans to establish a government-owned company with strong private sector expertise in FY2017/18 to manage the development process and ensure it is operational by 2026. The government will invest AUD73.2 million (USD53.8 million) on planning and site preparatory works in FY2017/18 and expects to spend a total of AUD115 million (USD84.5 million) for site preparation. Tender for early works will be issued in late 2017.

02-May-2017. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed the Government will construct the Western Sydney Airport (WSA). Details of the plan to build WSA are expected to be announced in the Budget which will be released the week beginning 08-May-2017. This follows the announcement by Sydney Airport Group, that it will not take up the opportunity under its 'right of first refusal' to build and operate the new airport at Badgerys Creek. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce warned that WSA would need to be low cost and operate 24/7 to be successful and should be based on the relationship between London airports, Heathrow and Stansted, where Stansted focuses on discount travellers. WSA should become Jetstar's main operational headquarters, freeing up valuable spots at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport for Qantas services.

Feb-2017.

24-Feb-2017. Australia’s Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher released details of the development plan for Western Sydney Airport, set to open in 2026. Stage 1 of construction is to begin in 2018. Plans include a single runway catering up to 10 million passengers p/a.

24-Feb-2017. Sydney Airport Group is currently reviewing the Notice of Intention as part of the consultation process, under their right of first refusal to build and run the new airport. Australian Government work to progress the Western Sydney Airport will not stop while Sydney Airport Group considers the Notice of Intention. Sydney Airport Group is expected to deliver its decision by mid May-2017.

16-Feb-2017. Sydney Airport will continue evaluating the Western Sydney Airport opportunity following the Australian Government's Dec-2016 notice of intention. Sydney Airport participated in the government’s consultation process and provided views on a range of matters including airport design, long-term passenger forecasts and the economic viability of a new airport operating on a standalone basis. According to published accounts Sydney Airport spent USD18 million on project costs related to that airport in 2016.

Dec-2016. 

20-Dec-2016. Sydney Airport announced the Australian Commonwealth Government issued it with a Notice of Intention (NoI) which sets out the material terms for Sydney Airport to develop and operate the Western Sydney Airport. Details include:

• Given the significant challenges the airport project will face, Sydney Airport believes project would require material support from the Commonwealth to make it commercially viable;
• Sydney Airport accepts that the Commonwealth has ultimately exercised its right to deliver a NoI that does not feature these procurement protections or any Commonwealth funding, according to the airport the Commonwealth's recent change in approach makes the Western Sydney Airport a challenging investment proposition;
• The Commonwealth has indicated that Sydney Airport will have four months to consider and respond to the NoI. Sydney Airport believes it is entitled to a nine-month consideration period and is continuing to discuss this with the Commonwealth. The length of this period will have no impact on the announced opening date for the airport;
• Sydney Airport will undertake confidential and detailed market soundings with the contractor market within the limited time allowed to inform its view of the construction costs of both the site preparatory works and the aviation infrastructure works. That process will be ongoing into 2017.

12-Dec-2016. Australia's Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher announced the airport plan for Western Sydney Airport project is finalised, allowing construction to commence. Stage 1 will develop a single runway and terminal facilities to accommodate 10 million passengers p/a at the cost of AUD5 billion (USD3.7 billion), scheduled for completion in mid 2020s. The government is improving road networks across Western Sydney under the AUD3.6 billion (USD2.7 billion) Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan however rail options are still under consideration, as is the preservation of a rail corridor on the airport site.

Nov-2016

23-Nov-2016. Australia’s Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher stated the Western Sydney Airport project is expected to commence construction in 2018. An estimated AUD5 billion (USD3.7 billion) will be utilised for stage 1. The proposed airport is due to open in mid 2020. Australia’s independent infrastructure advisor Infrastructure Australia listed Western Sydney Airport development project as "high priority" under the nation’s Infrastructure Priority List. Infrastructure Australia chief executive Philip Davies stated: "Demand for Sydney’s airport services will grow significantly in coming years. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 76 million per year by 2030 – increasing to 165 million by 2060" and "Kingsford Smith Airport alone would not be able to service this growth". The organisation also listed the proposal for a Western Sydney Airport rail connection and fuel pipeline "as High Priority Initiatives and should be progressed”, added Mr Davies. 

Nov-2016. Australia's Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg revealed a set of more than 40 environmental conditions for the proposed Western Sydney Airport development project. Mr Frydenberg said he is "confident" the project will be approved by the Minister for Urban Infrastructure and "the first stage of this development can now proceed”.

Sep-2016.

16-Sep-2016. Australia Government commenced land acquisition process for the proposed Western Sydney Airport. Building and upgrading roads in the region has also commenced. 

16-Sep-2016. Australia Government finalised Western Sydney Airport’s environmental impact statement (EIS), following consideration of public submissions. The final EIS notes the following:

• Flight paths will not have a single merge point over Blaxland;
• Flight paths will not merge at a single point over any residential community;
• To minimise aircraft noise impact on residents during evening hours between 23:00 and 06:00, "head to head operations" will be the preferred option. This method involves operating both take-off and landing from the southwest of the runway in circumstances where it is safe to do so. More analysis will be carried out on weather patterns and safety considerations, however this operating mode is expected to be feasible for more than 80% of the time;
• After five years of operations, flights over the Blue Mountain will only represent just over 30%.

Finalising the EIS is a precondition for determining the airport plan, bringing the airport one step closer to achieving a mid 2020s opening.

Aug-2016. Sydney Airport reported the government expects to finalise the environment impact study (EIS), airport plan and deliver a notice of intention to Sydney Airport before the end of 2016. 

May-2016. Australia's Government reported its 2016–17 Budget provides AUD115 million (USD86.2 million) to fund preparation work for the new Western Sydney Airport project, including AUD26 million (USD19.5 million) to develop a concept design for rail access that will accelerate benefits to Western Sydney. AUD89 million (USD64.4 million) will also be allocated to undertake critical preparatory activities for the airport site. The Western Sydney Airport Environmental Impact Statement and Airport Plan are both expected to be finalised in the coming months, following the review of nearly 5000 public submissions and it is anticipated that the proposed Western Sydney Airport will commence operations in the mid–2020s.

Feb-2016. Sydney Airport MD and CEO Kerrie Mather stated she expects to receive the notice of intention for the new Sydney Airport by Jun-2016.

Jan-2016. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss, via a spokesperson, stated completion date for Western Sydney Airport’s airport plan and environmental impact study (EIS) following the 60-day public consultation period will be delayed until 2Q2016. The AUD2.5 billion (USD1.75 billion) airport development project is estimated to create a capacity of 10 million passengers p/a scheduled to complete in 2025.

Dec-2015. 

23-Dec-2015. Australia's Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced over 4500 submissions were received during the public consultation period for Western Sydney Airport's draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and airport plan. Mr Truss stated the submissions “will now be taken into account in finalising the EIS and airport plan”, which will be presented to the government for approval in early 2016. 

18-Dec-2015. Australia’s Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the 60-day public consultation period on the draft Airport Plan and EIS for the proposed Western Sydney Airport development project closes on 18-Dec-2015. 

Oct-2015.

29-Oct-2015. Australia’s Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss said the government need to establish a funding model for Western Sydney Airport’s earthworks before it approaches Sydney Airport with the “notice of intention”. Sydney Airport has first right of refusal for the development and will have four to nine months to consider the proposal. The earthwork is estimated to cost AUD1.5 billion (USD1.06 billion) with an additional AUD2 billion (USD1.4 billion) for infrastructure developments.

20-Oct-2015. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss confirmed the first stage of airport developments will be able to accommodate 10 million passengers p/a with a 3700m runway capable of handling A380 and Boeing 777 equipment. Construction is expected to start by late 2016 with operations to commence in mid-2020s. The following stage, expected to commence around 2050, will see the construction of a second parallel runway and developments to increase capacity to accommodate 82 million passengers p/a. According to the Minister, rail service is not anticipated during the first stage. Instead, the state government and Commonwealth is committing AUD3.6 billion (USD2.62 billion) toward multiple road infrastructures to be completed “in time for its opening in 2025”, which the Minister believes it will be sufficient for “the lifetime of this stage of the plan.”

19-Oct-2015. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss released Western Sydney Airport’s development draft plan and draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for public consultation. The department encourages the community to contribute their opinions before 18-Dec-2015. Mr Truss said “we are moving to a position where construction of the new airport could be underway next year, with the airport commencing operations in the mid-2020s”. The final airport plan and EIS will be established following the closure of public consultation.

Sep-2015. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport head of government and community relations Ted Plummer stated the management is “100% committed to the consultation process” in relation to the operation of New Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek without impacting residents. The corporation is also prepared to alter flight paths to avoid residential suburbs. According to Mr Plummer, consultations will began once the government releases the airport plan and environmental impact study.

Aug-2015.

27-Aug-2015. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said the government is “determined to get on with the job as quickly as we possibly can,” for the development of the new Western Sydney Airport, and is looking at “how the commonwealth’s share can be financed and financed effectively and all that work is under way”. Mr Truss also said the government has no intention of applying operating curfews for the airport, with 24 hour runway operations to allow “maximum contribution to western Sydney and the economy of NSW”. The airport environmental impact study (EIS) will be released to the public by late Oct-2015.

26-Aug-2015.Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss confirmed the new airport will not initially have a dedicated rail link, although design plans for the airport include provisions for a rail station and a link to the Sydney rail network. Mr Truss estimated the cost of developing an airport rail link, including an airport platform and tunnels, at approximately AUD500 million (USD356.5 million). Mr Truss added, “With the initial expectations of the number of passengers in early years, we don’t anticipate that a railway line just servicing the airport would be commercially viable but as time goes by, passenger numbers will grow and clearly then that access would be required.”

26-Aug-2015. Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss confirmed construction of the airport is due to start before the end of 2016, finishing by the mid-2020s.

26-Aug-2015. Australia's Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development declared the Commonwealth-owned land at Badgery's Creek as the airport site for the new 'Sydney West Airport'. The Airports Legislation Amendment Regulation 2015 amended the Airports Regulations 1997, officially designating the land plot and airspace surrounding the new airport. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss advised: "Today's proclamation prepares the way for the next key planning steps to be taken once the environmental assessment process concludes, including the determination of the airport plan. It will also enable airspace around the site to be protected." Federal Member for Macarthur Russell Matheson added: "Today we continue progress towards an operational airport for Western Sydney come the mid-2020s, with the development of the draft Environmental Impact Statement and draft airport plan well underway and expected to be released for community consultation before the end of the year."

17-Aug-2015. Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather confirmed the Australian Government will deliver its notice of intention regarding the new Sydney airport project "towards the end of the year", where "Sydney Airport will have four to nine months to respond." Ms Mather stated Sydney Airport could receive the notice via a "confidential proposal." Sydney Airport plans to undertake a "market sounding" study with engineering and construction contractors following the notice, according to Ms Mather.

Aug-2015. Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development deputy secretary Andrew Wilson said a four-runway system at the Badgerys Creek Airport "would just not fit" at the proposed site, adding the Commonwealth Government has decided to develop a parallel runway system. In a response, JetGo Australia MD Paul Bredereck said the government should consider the four-runway proposal, citing: "If the city is a world-class city and you are building a world-class airport for the future, do it properly."

Jul-2015. Australia's Government and Sydney Airport Group officially concluded the nine-month consultation period regarding the proposed Badgery's Creek Airport project on 02-Jul-2015. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said: "The end of this consultation phase completes the first element of the Commonwealth's contractual obligations under the right of first refusal process... We will now work through the issues and review the range of options for an airport proposal that will meet Sydney's aviation capacity needs and deliver the best possible outcomes for the people of Western Sydney and the nation—including economic growth and job creation." Both parties aim to deliver proposal by "the end of this year", outlining technical specifications, a construction schedule as well as contractual terms for the airport development. A draft EIS will also be released later in the year for public comment, according to Mr Truss. 

Jun-2015. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss confirmed the country's House of Representatives passed the Airports Amendment Bill 2015. Mr Truss advised: "The Bill will allow for an airport plan to be developed for Badgerys Creek which will authorise the initial development for a Western Sydney airport and specify the Australian Government's requirements for the proposed airport. A finalised airport plan will be dependent on the Environment Minister's assessment of the environmental considerations raised in the environmental impact statement, and will be bound by conditions imposed to protect the environment." As previously reported by CAPA, the bill will also allow the government to tender the airport project should Sydney Airport refuse to undertake the development.

May-2015.

14-May-2015. Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather stated that the airport will "engage with the construction market in the third quarter of this year to assist us to gather information as to the efficient and optimum design to determine the cost and viability of the [Western Sydney Airport] project." Sydney Airport is undertaking formal negotiations with the Australian Government on the proposed airport development, as part of the right of first refusal procedures under the Sydney Airport Sale Act 2002.

14-May-2015. Australia's Government will deliver a formal proposal regarding the new Badgerys Creek Airport by the end of 2015, as confirmed by Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather. Under the Sydney Airport Sale Act, Sydney Airport Corporation will have up to nine months, following the formal proposal, to deliver its decision on involvement in the airport project. Ms Mather advised: "On the basis of this timetable a decision would be required from SydneyAirport either four or nine months later, so some time in 2016."

01-May-2015. Australia's Government announced plans to develop the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport "as a primary airport of Western Sydney - not just low cost but also premium", according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss. Under a proposed development plan, the airport will be developed under a demand-based system, "which includes planning for its services and amenities to be easily capable of growth over time." Mr Truss advised the new airport will operate with one 3700m runway "for the first 20 years or so" and "over time, as demand requires, a parallel runway will be constructed". The new airport is expected to complement air service operations Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which is "forecast to handle more than 70 million passengers per year by the early 2030's". The development plan for Badgerys Creek Airport could be released by the end of 2015, following the completion of an environmental impact study. Mr Truss stated the EIS "will take some months, but it is possible that we would have a formal proposal to present to Sydney Airport as soon as the end of this year... If Sydney Airport refuses this proposal, then we will take it to the open market and offer the opportunity to build and operate the new airport to other parties." The second phase of geotechnical analysis works have commenced on the 1700ha land plot designated for the first stage of the Badgerys Creek Airport. Mr Truss advised: "A team of engineers will be at Badgerys Creek to profile the subsoil and rock over the next six weeks." Geological surveys on sediment density will also be completed on the site, "with samples analysed by the end of the year", according to the Minister. Minister Truss advised the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport will operate without curfew restrictions. He stated: "We have no plans to place a curfew on Western Sydney Airport. It needs to be economically strong."

Apr-2015. 

20-Apr-2015. Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (DIRD) stated 16,000 residents will directly be affected by the new airport in Badgery's Creek. According to the DIRD, the "small number" represents "less than 2%" of residents within the same 10km radius of the existing Sydney Airport.

15-Apr-2015. Badgery's Creek Airport will feature a dual-parallel 3700m runway system, allowing the airport to handle approximately 80 million passengers p/a by 2050. First phase plans for the new airport will feature one passenger terminal building to operate international and domestic services, with a carrying capacity of up to 10 million passengers p/a by 2022. Total first phase construction works are estimated to cost AUD4 billion (USD3 billion). The airport will reportedly have the infrastructure to handle larger aircraft operations such as A380s.

Jan-2015. Australia's deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced on 29-Jan-2015 that the Federal Government has released the guidelines for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) on the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport. According to the minister, the guidelines will outline factors to be included in the environmental impact assessment due to commence in mid-2015. Mr Truss advised: "It will assess noise and air quality impacts, including the impact of flight paths and flight frequency on the local area." The Government has appointed GHD as lead advisor on the EIA. Mr Truss advised the Australian Government will partner with GHD in designing and implementing a public consultation programme for the environmental study as well a draft EIA report. 

Construction has commenced on the AUD509 million (USD410 million) Bringelly Road upgrade, facilitating access to the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced on 20-Jan-2015 that geotechnical field studies have commenced on the northern area of Commonwealth-owned land at Badgerys Creek. The Australian Government has deployed a team of engineers to analyse the subsoil profile on the land ploy designated for the Badgerys Creek Airport development. The geotechnical study is part of the Government's environmental assessment scheduled for release in 2015.

Dec-2014. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minster for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss stated, "Development of the proposed airport would be staged in response to demand, with the first stage operating from one runway. The longer-term vision for the ultimate airport layout would operate with two parallel runways of up to 4000 metres in length". He added: "The airport would be small scale when it becomes operational from the mid-2020s and would expand as the population of Western Sydney grows to meet the emerging needs of the local community.

The Government issued a directive for all residents currently on the proposed airport site to relocate by 15-Jun-2015. The government stated the removal of existing households on the property will facilitate site analysis and planning for the airport. The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development plans to commence the AUD3 billion (USD2.4 billion) development in 2016.

Nov-2014. Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development secretary Mike Mrdak said Sydney Airport rights of refusal consultation between Sydney Airport Corporation and the Federal Government is progressing "very well", revealing an initial plan for a 24-hour operating one-runway development would be open by mid-2020. Mr Mrdak advised the airport will have initial capacity for three million passengers p/a.

Oct-2014. Australia's Treasurer Joe Hockey revealed SMEC Australia was selected to oversee preliminary surveying works and to conduct an environmental assessment on the proposed Western Sydney Airport project. According to Mr Hockey, the survey will facilitate the Referral process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999. The Treasurer advised the Referral will be submitted for consideration by the Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt in Nov-2014. 

Australia's Government has launched the environmental approvals process for the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport, as confirmed by Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss. The Federal Government commenced surveying the site chosen for the new airport with environmental referral documentation currently being prepared ahead of the environmental assessment. According to Mr Truss, the assessment programme, including the public consultation stage, will commence by the end of the year.

Australia's Government and the Sydney Airport Group officially commenced the nine-month formal consultation process regarding the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport on 01-Oct-2014. 

Sep-2014. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss reported contractors would begin surveying the site for Badgerys Creek Airport by 30-Sep-2014. Mr Truss said the government would then have nine months to develop a basic master plan for the airport including design, function, cost and regulatory framework. Sydney Airport Holdings will then be able to decide if they will exercise right of first refusal.

The Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, Jamie Briggs, confirmed the Federal Government will negotiate with Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) over the proposed Badgery's Creek airport project, but may look to build the airport with someone else if no progress is made. Mr Briggs stated the government was determined to commence construction works for the new by 2016. SACL's chairman Max Moore-Wilton responded that SACL "paid for the right to negotiate."

Aug-2014. The NSW State Government is negotiating with a global aeronautical services company to invest approximately AUD250 million (USD233 million) to expand the Western Sydney Employment Area (WSEA) programme. The WSEA extension will allow the NSW government to acquire land reserved for industrial and commercial developments in proximity to the airport.

Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss revealed the Federal Government would consider constructing the airport independently after exhausting all available options. Mr Truss advised that should negotiations fail with Sydney Airport, the government will tender the project. If both options do not provide an outcome the government will construct the facility itself.

Australia's Federal Government formally issued a notice to consult to the Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL). The country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss advised the notice will launch a formal consultation process between the government and SACL over the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport projects. SACL received a right of first refusal regarding new airport developments within 100 kilometres of Sydney City under the Sydney Airport Sale Act 2002. According to Mr Truss, the consultation phase will take nine months, commencing on 30-Sep-2014.

May-2014. The Department of Infrastructure and Transport Sydney aviation capacity GM Brendan McRandle confirmed the department is in preliminary talks with Sydney Airport Holdings over the development of a new Sydney airport in Badgerys Creek. Mr McRandle advised the Government "has obligations through that first-right-of-refusal process to provide information as part of the consultation process". The Sydney aviation GM stated the department is forming a technical committee to mediate the project's consultation period. According to Mr McRandle, the formal consultation will assess the project's limitations, environmental impacts and schedule of operations. Mr McRandle also revealed an there will be an open tender process to distribute key projects for the new airport. The total budget for the formal consultation is approximately AUD78 million (USD73 million) over four years.

Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather advised the company has held preliminary talks with the Federal Government over the proposed second Sydney airport. Sydney Airport was offered the right of first refusal as the proposed facility's operator. The airport's chairman Max Moore-Wilton commented on the right as a valuable opportunity for the company. Ms Mather stated formal negotiations with the government will commence soon. Mr Moore-Wilton stated Sydney Airport Limited intends to engage with the government the planning initiatives for the proposed facility. The CEO advised the prescribed negotiations could take 12 to 18 months as the government will need to consider the impacts of new airport on the region's network structure and infrastructure developments. The new facility is budgeted to cost approximately AUD2.5 billion (USD2.3 billion).

Apr-2014. New South Wales Premier Mike Baird stated the construction of the proposed second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek is a "top priority". The New South Wales State Government commenced the process of designating land plots for the proposed Western Sydney rail link to the airport reportedly to include six new train stations in the region. The state government's Transport Ministry is expected to publicly release the proposed rail route plan on 28-Apr-2014. The rail link is budgeted to cost approximately AUD5 billion (USD4.6 billion).

Business and union leaders called on Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss to establish an independent advocacy group for the newly proposed Badgerys Creek Airport. Unions New South Wales secretary Mark Lennon and Sydney Business Chamber director  David Borger stated federal funding should be set aside for the airport authority to lobby for various stakeholders with vested interest in the airport's completion. Mr Lennon noted the project was previously abandoned despite receiving federal financial support. The union secretary advised the current project is already facing opposition from Federal MPs over the government's preposition for a curfew-free operating airport. Mr Truss' office stated a Western Sydney Unit will be created to facilitate the AUD9 billion (USD8.4 billion) project (a figure that will include surface transport work and a possible cost over-run contingency). The minister's office advised the Federal Government is deliberating with the New South Wales State Government to jointly expedite the airport project.

Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated a second airport would be constructed in Sydney at Badgerys Creek, approximately 50km west of the Sydney CBD. Planning and design works will commence immediately, and construction is expected to begin in 2016 for a completion date in "the mid 2020's". Mr Abbott said: “There will be some expense to the Commonwealth in terms of planning and design, but the AUD2.5 billion (USD2.3 billion) - which is widely quoted as the cost of building the airport itself - is something that will come from the private sector.” Mr Abbott said no decision had been made on a curfew for the new airport. Government projections predict the airport will sustain 35,000 jobs by 2035 and by 2060 the airport could drive GDP growth worth AUD24 billion (USD22.5 billion). Sydney Airports Corporation Limited (SACL) acknowledged its Right of First Refusal to operate the second airport but said it will work through the process "as and when appropriate" with "commercial and financial discipline." SACL said it can meet forecast demand of 74 million passengers in 2033, and is focused on improving the customer experience, increasing efficiency and enhancing capacity at the existing Sydney Airport.

Feb-2014. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell again refused to commit funds for the proposed second airport at Badgerys Creek, arguing any support would mean redirecting funds from crucial projects such as western Sydney hospital redevelopments Mr O’Farrell has said aviation and any decision surrounding an airport in western Sydney was up to the federal government, and not the state, to fund. His comments came in answer to Opposition Leader John Robertson in parliament as to whether he backed the airport, a week after Mr Robertson revealed he now supported the project and had written to the Prime Minister Tony Abbott offering bipartisan support leading into the state election in 2015.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss reportedly approved a proposal for a second airport serving Sydney to be located at Badgerys Creek. The proposal will be presented to cabinet in the week commencing 10-Feb-2014. The proposal includes up to AUD250 million (USD223 million) for upgrades to transport infrastructure around the proposed site. The airport project is reportedly expected to cost up to AUD2.3 billion (USD2 billion). Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed the Government would make a decision on a second airport.

Dec-2013. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said a second airport serving Sydney may be operational by 2027. Mr Truss also suggested the proposed airport would operate without a curfew.  

Nov-2013. Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs said the Government intends to decide whether to proceed with the Badgerys Creek location for a second airport serving Sydney by the end of 2013. Mr Briggs said, "An early decision, which I expect to be before Christmas, will provide certainty to the aviation sector and potentially build the economic capacity of western Sydney with the creation of thousands of new jobs for many years to come."

Aug-2013. The NSW Business Chamber released an economic report examining three growth scenarios for an airport in Western Sydney and modelling the local economic impact of each scenario. The report considers an airport at Badgerys Creek could commence operations in 2027 with three million passengers p/a and expand in phases to seven million in 2033, 22-30 million in 2040 and up to 33 million by 2050.