Open to airport opportunities

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

A behind the scenes tour of Sydney Airport illustrated the diverse range of jobs that will be created by the new Western Sydney Airport.

Senior Councillors and General Manager Alan Stoneham were given an insight into what makes an airport run. TAFE Western Sydney Institute Director Robin Shreeve also visited the airport, keen to explore the opportunities for training and skills development to ensure local residents are ready to secure jobs in both the construction and longer-term operation of the airport.

"The airport will be one of the biggest, most ambitious construction projects around, not only in Western Sydney, but also NSW, for many years," Mr Shreeve said.

"We are always keen to provide opportunities for local people to gain relevant training for employment. TAFE Western Sydney has had great success with an onsite training facility at Sydney's largest construction project - Barangaroo South. We are already considering this opportunity for Badgerys Creek as well as exploring the training courses that future airport workers may need."

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the potential for employment was a determining factor in Council's acceptance of the airport.

"Two out of every three workers have to leave Penrith City each day for work. With the majority of developable land around the airport in our Local Government Area we're not only interested on the jobs inside the fence, but also outside the fence."

"The airport will bring new industry and businesses to the City and the Broader Western Sydney Employment Area (BWSEA) is almost entirely in Penrith City - the State Government has earmarked this site as Western Sydney's main employment generating site and now that the airport has been confirmed, we'll be pushing for this area to start booming," Cr Fowler said.

"We'll be calling on the government to begin works on feeder roads and providing incentives to attract new business to BWSEA now, before the airport opens," Cr Fowler said.

"More jobs that are within a 30 minute commute for our residents is something we want to see and for people presently spending hours commuting each day, it can't happen too soon."

Council will also lobby on behalf of the community for better roads, public transport and environmental outcomes in the planning of the airport as well as conditions to ensure noise is effectively managed.

"In coming weeks we'll be making representations to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and State and Federal members on a range of issues and we'll continue with a strategic advocacy campaign to ensure we get the maximum benefits for Penrith," Cr Fowler said.

Cr Fowler said ensuring the Government honours its commitment of roads first, airport second is essential to Council's support.

Deputy Mayor Greg Davies, Mayor Ross Fowler OAM and Councillor John Thain took a tour of Kingsford Smith Airport to learn more about the jobs and industries the new airport at Badgerys Creek will create.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 2 June 2015.