Commercial flights commenced at Western Sydney International Airport today (25 October), marking a landmark moment for Penrith City and an exciting new chapter for our community.
Penrith Mayor, Councillor Todd Carney and General Manager, Andrew Moore, attended the official opening of the airport - which is situated only 15 kilometres from the Penrith City Centre.
Mayor Carney said: "It was great to share in this historic occasion today. The airport opening brings the world closer to Penrith, creating opportunities for local people, businesses and future generations. It is a future Penrith City Council has been planning for, over many years."
Opening with capacity for up to 10 million passengers a year, the airport is a powerful catalyst for change across Western Sydney.
"With one-third of the 11,200 hectare aerotropolis located in the Penrith Local Government Area, our City is ready for the jobs, investment, new homes and industries this once-in-a-generation project will bring," Mayor Carney said.
"Most importantly, this means more jobs closer to home. From aviation, logistics and advanced manufacturing to tourism and hospitality, new career pathways will open for our residents, students and graduates - including in industries that are only beginning to emerge."
Penrith will also continue to benefit from better connectivity, in and around the City.
"The Australian and NSW Governments have invested more than $25 billion in the airport and critical transport infrastructure, including the M12 Motorway and Western Sydney Airport metro rail line, with around $2.7 billion to upgrade roads for the airport and Bradfield City Centre," Mayor Carney said.
"For Penrith, the metro connecting the airport to St Marys will also be a gamechanger. We continue to advocate for the full length north-south connection from St Marys to Tallawong in the north and Bradfield to Macarthur in the south, to connect our community with new jobs, education and services across Western Sydney."
For our local businesses, faster access to new supply chains, customers and markets will help them grow their reach across Australia and around the world.
"Freight services are already attracting investment and supporting industries such as advanced manufacturing, freight and logistics, aviation and aerospace. As passenger services begin, that momentum will only build."
The airport also puts Penrith within easy reach of more visitors than ever before.
"We will have a wonderful opportunity to share our spectacular natural surrounds, adventure experiences, attractions and major events with people from across Australia and overseas, supporting local tourism operators and our broader economy.
"I know many people across our community share my excitement, now that we've reached this historic opening.
"I congratulate everyone who has played a part in reaching this milestone through many years of planning, advocacy and hard work."
Caption: Penrith City Council General Manager, Andrew Moore and Mayor, Cr Todd Carney, attended the official opening of the Western Sydney International Airport today and saw the first passenger flight leave.
