Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced a new rail link will be built between St Marys and the new airport at Badgerys Creek.
The north-south rail link is seen as critical to the new airport’s success.
“Our joint aim is to have the rail line connected to the airport in time for its opening,” Mr Turnbull said during a visit to Western Sydney University this morning.
The commitment to build the new rail line comes as part of the Western Sydney City Deal, which creates a plan and vision between all three levels of government focused on western Sydney’s future.
A rapid bus plan is also set to provide a direct link between Penrith and the airport.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the City Deal would ensure a major employment boom in western Sydney.
“Today we have seen the culmination of many months and years of hard work which has resulted in three levels of government coming together to deliver a once in a generation opportunity,” she said.
“When people are standing at Parramatta they won’t be looking east for the best jobs, they will be looking west for the best jobs.”
The City Deal includes:
- A North South Rail Link from St Marys to Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis via Western Sydney Airport
- A world-class Aerotropolis including Commonwealth-owned land at North Bringelly
- An Investment Attraction Office to attract investment to the Western Parkland City
- New planning regime for Western Sydney to cut development costs and boost housing supply
- A $150m Western Parkland City Liveability Program to deliver community facilities
- New STEM-focussed education facilities to train skilled workers needed for the Aerotropolis
- A plan to embed smart digital technology in the Western City
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue (WSLD) Chairman Christopher Brown said today’s rail link announcement was a “massive win” for the region.
“The campaign, which the Dialogue drove in partnership with councils and local landowners, has been more than two years in the making, and today’s outcome shows what can be achieved through collaboration and determination,” he said.
“We are delighted that governments accepted our argument that western Sydney must be connected to Western Sydney Airport as a priority.
“This is more than just a rail line, it’s a steel spine for the region. Our studies showed that theconnection, linking our key growth and employment areas, could catalyse 40,000 local jobs. It will
also provide improved access for cities that currently lack public transport options.
“Badgerys Creek Airport represents a new era for the region and it is vital that our booming cities in the south-west and north-west are connected to it, from the outset. This is, after all, not
Sydney’s second airport, but western Sydney’s first airport.”
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
