Western Sydney Airport project receives approval to commence construction

Australia's Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher announced (12-Dec-2016) 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. [more - original PR]