Airport rail announcement a win for the future

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller has welcomed the Australian and NSW Governments’ pledge to start construction on a train line to Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport by the end of 2020.

“This announcement about the $11 billion project provides greater clarity of the route and stations, assisting Council to plan for Liverpool’s growth accordingly,” Mayor Waller said.

“Importantly for many locals, starting construction this year will provide 14,000 jobs that could support those in Western Sydney and beyond during a time of economic hardship.”

Mayor Waller said Council was doing its bit to ensure the success of the future international airport at Badgerys Creek and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, both of which would have stations on the new train line.

“In March, Council unveiled its vision for the Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit (FAST) Corridor, which would provide the vital link between Liverpool city centre and both the Airport and Aerotropolis,” Mayor Waller said.

“Council is confident that, as we continue to work closely with the NSW Government, the FAST Corridor project can deliver on the long-standing Western Sydney City Deal commitment for a rapid bus service along this route in time for the airport’s opening in 2026.

“We are working with Transport for NSW to ensure a ‘whole of corridor’ high-quality rapid transit service design that is future-proofed for emerging technologies such as trackless trams.

“In addition to a frequent and rapid public transport connection to the new airport from 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.”

Mayor Waller said collaboration was key to delivering planning outcomes that would benefit the Liverpool community for generations to come.

“Council continues to advocate to the NSW Government for funding to fast-track the FAST Corridor project in addition to 21 other capital works projects worth close to $130 million that would provide construction jobs and support the arts and cultural sector, improve community facilities and enhance public amenity,” Mayor Waller said.

“We also look forward to discussion with the NSW Government to determine the likelihood of an extension of the Leppington line to the new airport, improving north-south connectivity in the rapidly growing Western Sydney region.”

Council has finalised early FAST Corridor project plans and will soon seek community support for its preferred alignment of the separated transit corridor along Hoxton Park Road and Fifteenth Avenue.