The 22 members of the Forum On Western Sydney Airport (FOWSA) have held their second meeting, including visiting Kingsford Smith Airport to gain a greater understanding of the operations and complexities involved with flight path planning.
FOWSA is playing a critical community consultation role in the planning and development of the new Western Sydney Airport set to commence operations in 2026.
Infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher says the purpose of FOWSA is to ensure that local voices are heard loud and clear on significant issues such as flight planning, and also on how best to maximise the economic, employment and educational opportunities from Western Sydney Airport.
Led by the Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Professor Peter Shergold, the forum includes 10 community representatives, five representatives nominated by local councils, and a number of stakeholder group representatives.
The visit to Kingsford Smith Airport also provided the opportunity to see the diversity of jobs that support an operational airport and to gain an understanding of the economic and job opportunities Western Sydney Airport will bring to the region.
Airports are major generators of employment and economic activity and Western Sydney Airport will create thousands of jobs in Western Sydney.
Mr Fletcher said the Turnbull Government was continuing to progress Western Sydney Airport with last week’s announcement that WSA Co, the company that will build Western Sydney Airport, will establish its offices in central Liverpool before the end of the year.
WSA Co’s central Liverpool location in Scott Street will help the company work closely with key stakeholders such as local councils and community groups as well as important NSW Government agencies.
Initial priorities include recruiting WSA Co senior management and commencing procurement of an early works package of construction activities.
The Turnbull and Berejiklian Governments will co-host an international summit next year on maximising the airport investment opportunity “as we work towards creating an aerotropolis – a city based around the airport with a thriving industrial and commercial presence.
More information on the activities of the Forum On Western Sydney Airport, including a full list of its members and meeting minutes, can be found at westernsydneyairport.gov.au/forum
