Airline move to future Western Sydney Aerotropolis welcomed

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller has welcomed news the NSW Government is pushing for Virgin Australia to be headquartered at the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis at Badgerys Creek.

“As a council, our immediate focus is to support businesses and the community as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic,” Mayor Waller said.

“Key to this recovery will be government and private sector investment. Having the likes of Virgin Australia headquartered in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis would be a huge boost for local jobs and improve international connections when Western Sydney International Airport opens in 2026.”

Mayor Waller said Council was doing its bit to ensure the success of the future Aerotropolis and international airport at Badgerys Creek.

“In March Liverpool City Council unveiled its vision for the Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit (FAST) Corridor, linking Western Sydney International Airport with the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the Liverpool city centre,” Mayor Waller said.

“The FAST corridor will be future-proofed for emerging technologies such as trackless trams and is going to be a critical transport link.

“In addition to a regular, 30-minute public transport connection, new cycle and pedestrian routes to the new airport for Sydney's third CBD, there’s a chance to create new, sustainable communities along the route which are sensitive to their bushland and farming landscape.”

Council’s FAST Corridor was recently highlighted by think-tank Committee for Sydney as one of $55 billion worth of infrastructure projects for greater Sydney that should be fast-tracked to provide thousands of construction jobs.

“I also welcome news the Committee for Sydney has recognised the value of this critical piece of transport infrastructure that could provide much-needed jobs during and after construction,” Mayor Waller said.

“This push to fast-track infrastructure projects aligns with our own initiatives to keep people in jobs during these challenging times.

“We will shortly be proposing to government a package of capital works projects for the Liverpool area worth close to $130 million that could be fast-tracked to support the arts and cultural sector, improve community facilities and enhance public amenity.

“In line with the direction from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, we will also fast track certain Development Applications to stimulate the regional economy and keep people working.”