Huge economic growth and jobs activity are taking off at the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, where milestone work has now started on the 3.7 kilometre international runway.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new airport was already having a major impact on the region, and there was plenty more job creation and economic benefits to come.
"Our Government is delivering record investment in infrastructure in Western Sydney and Australia, creating much-needed jobs, new investment and economic growth," the Prime Minister said.
"It is only because of the actions of our Government that the Western Sydney Airport is being built.
"After six years of inaction by Anthony Albanese, Labor's Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, it took our Coalition Government to get Western Sydney Airport off the ground, proving once again that is our Government that has the proven track record of getting things done.
"This project will change Western Sydney for generations to come, opening up new careers and opportunities well into the future with around 11,000 jobs expected to be supported over the course of construction of the airport, and tens of thousands more to be created once it opens in late 2026.
"Our Government is backing this project and the people of Western Sydney, as part of our plan for a stronger future for Australia."
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the $5.3 billion Commonwealth-funded airport was rapidly taking shape, with the entire project now 30 per cent complete.
"A significant amount of work has already been undertaken on this once-in-a-generation project, with more than 23 million cubic metres of earth having been moved, with construction now ready to commence on the 3.7 kilometre runway," Minister Fletcher said.
"Once complete, this state-of-the-art airport will be capable of receiving the world's largest passenger aircraft, positioning Western Sydney as an international gateway and providing a significant economic boost to the region."
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the runway will be an impressive construction and technological feat that will put Western Sydney Airport on the map.
"Around 3,000 LED aeronautical ground lights will be used to line the runways and taxiways, as well as 90 kilometres of power and fibre optic cabling to power it," Minister Birmingham said.
"The rapid-exit taxiways will ensure WSA runs efficiently while allowing more traffic through the airport and giving travellers more peace of mind when heading off to their destination or returning home.
"More than 40 kilometres of airside roads will also be constructed, allowing multiple access points and manoeuvrability around the runway.
"The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering this once-in-a-generation project for Australians, which is set to unlock 28,000 direct and indirect jobs and billions in economic activity."
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney Marise Payne said more than 40 kilometres of airside roads will also be constructed, allowing multiple access points and manoeuvrability around the runway.
"The runways will be able to handle a full spectrum of aircraft models, including international, domestic and freight services," Senator Payne said.
Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said the new airport will have the capacity to handle up to 10 million passengers a year when it opens in 2026, unlocking Western Sydney to the nation and the world.
"This will deliver phenomenal benefits for Western Sydney, bringing in new foot traffic for business and tourism that will secure the region's place as an economic powerhouse," Mrs McIntosh said.
"That's why the Morrison Government is committed to the delivery of this critical new airport and is providing $9 billion for the vital rail and road links that will further transform the region."
