A team of 60 volunteers led by Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) have rolled up their sleeves to plant more than 750 trees as part of the airport’s ongoing conservation efforts.
WSI staff were joined by volunteers, coordinated by the Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat, from businesses including Amadeus, CPB Contractors, Acciona, and Multiplex – all of which are helping to build the airport – as well as local residents, to plant the trees on Friday (26 July 2024), which set a record of more than 2,200 trees planted, to date.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the organisation has hosted multiple tree planting events, which support the airport’s ongoing work to rehabilitate and enhance more than 117 hectares of nominated conservation land on the airport site.
“This is a terrific milestone that’s only been made possible thanks to the outstanding efforts of so many dedicated volunteers who’ve given up their time to give back to the environment and local communities,” Hickey said.
“Our planting drives are supported by local school and university students, businesses and community volunteers, so it’s a collaborative community partnership that’s rehabilitating this local environment that we hope to see thriving in the months and years to come.”
WSI’s ultimate goal is to help create Cumberland Plain Woodland habitat, which is endemic to Western Sydney, across its three designated Environmental Conservation Zones in the airport precinct.
“This is just one way in which Western Sydney International Airport is working alongside Western Sydney locals – we’re very much a part of the Western Sydney community and proud of our partnerships and the great things we can achieve when we work together,” Hickey said.
If you or your organisation is interested in taking part in a future tree planting drive, you can email WSI for further details.
You can also find out more about WSI at our Experience Centre, where visitors can learn about all facets of the airport, which is on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026.
Lucy Randolph
Lucy Randolph is a western Sydney-based journalist, focusing on hyperlocal news stories impacting the Penrith community.