Western Sydney International Airport is set to open without the $11 billion metro line connecting it with Sydney’s train network.
It means passengers will be forced to drive their car or catches buses once the airport opens in late 2026.
The 23-kilometre rail line between St Marys, Bradfield and the airport, will likely not carry passengers until April 2027.
The State Government says ongoing issues around industrial relations and supply issues stemming from the pandemic had forced the delay.
Business Western Sydney Executive Director, David Borger, said the delay wasn’t a major surprise.
“While it is a shame the Metro from Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys will open six months later, it’s hardly a surprise given recent construction and supply chain difficulties and the history of public transport projects in Sydney,” he said.
“While it would be fantastic to have planes and trains launching together, it’s time we stopped catastrophising small delays.
“Brisbane Airport opened in 1988, but its airport rail didn’t open until 2001. Perth’s airport rail only began in 2022.
“And the reasonable view from Sydney’s west is that we will still beat poor old Melbourne Tullamarine – which started operations in 1970 and won’t have rail until 2029.
“Let’s not forget the St Mary’s Metro isn’t the only transport infrastructure needed around the new airport. We also need a rail link from Bradfield to Leppington, a Metro to Campbelltown and Macarthur, and electrification of the line to Wollondilly.”
Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh was less forgiving.
“Communities along the Metro line, including St Marys, Orchard Hills and Luddenham were promised a Metro line would open with the Airport and provide a vital public transport link to thousands of jobs at Bradfield City and the Airport,” she said.
“We need the Albanese Labor Government to take some leadership on this issue. Half of the project cost is coming from the Commonwealth. The Federal government needs to call out this infrastructure failure of its NSW Labor mates and get the project back on track.
“This means the commitment to get the Metro operational on time is just another broken promise by the Albanese Labor Government.
“The Airport and its Metro were Coalition government visions and commitments. We know Labor has never fully supported Western Sydney Airport. But Labor is in government and must put the success of Western Sydney Airport at the top of the priority list.”
Troy Dodds
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.