Western Sydney path to economic success takes off

THE opening of the Western Sydney Airport is "an extraordinary milestone setting the scene for the next generation of infrastructure needed to unlock the Aerotropolis", according to the Property Council of Australia..

Ross Grove, Property Council Western Sydney regional director, said the potential economic dividend from the airport would depend on continued investment beyond its boundary.

“Today is an historic day for Western Sydney – but the airport was always about more than planes taking off and landing – the ultimate prize will be the jobs, investment and economic activity that can be built around it,” Grove said.

§ Infrastructure investment builds industry confidence

He added the NSW and Australian Governments deserved credit for the strong infrastructure investments already made around the Aerotropolis.

“Investment in Elizabeth Drive and the Stage 2 upgrade of Mamre Road has given the industry confidence to start committing private capital to the employment lands surrounding the airport," Grove said.

“With industry leaning into the infrastructure decisions governments have made, and a wave of employment-generating development progressing across the initial precincts, we can’t allow the enabling infrastructure pipeline to run dry just as private investment is getting moving.

§ Luddenham Road and Badgerys Creek Road South upgrades

“Luddenham Road will become an increasingly important north-south spine through the Aerotropolis.

"It connects major development opportunities, including State Significant Development sites and Sydney Science Park, but its upgrade timetable does not match the investment now emerging around it.

“Badgerys Creek Road South is another critical piece of the network. Government has already invested in planning for its upgrade. We now need to maintain that momentum and move progressively towards delivery.”

§ Opening employment land for jobs and development

Grove said the approach that had delivered progress to date should remain the model.

“Public infrastructure investment gives industry the confidence to invest.

"Every additional piece of the road network that opens up development-ready employment land creates opportunity to attract warehouses, logistics operations, advanced manufacturing and other businesses to Western Sydney.

“As that first plane takes off today, our focus should turn to what takes off next: the jobs, investment and development that this airport was built to unlock,” Grove said.