In the past 36 hours, Western Sydney International has symbolically been the centre of the universe.
The first domestic and international passenger flights have gone straight to the history books.
And for those of us who live in and around this magnificent infrastructure take pride in what is without a shadow of a doubt the greatest piece of infrastructure in South-West and Western Sydney.
WSI is guaranteed to be a game changer for our region – it may not happen overnight, but it will happen.
And one more thing: This airport has been 40 years in the making. In 1986, Badgerys Creek was designated to be home to Sydney’s second major airport by the then Hawke Government, which also approved the purchase of land.
Twenty eight years later, the Abbott Government finally approved construction by allocating almost $6 billion towards WSI.
If you include the 10 years it took for a decision on a preferred site, Sydney’s second international airport took more than 50 years to become a reality.
Perhaps it would be prudent for current leaders to start planning now for Sydney’s third airport in another 50 years’ time!
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened WSI on Sunday morning.
“For the first time in more than 50 years, Australia is opening a major new airport. It’s a milestone that has been decades in the making and one that belongs to the people of Western Sydney,’’ he said.
“I’ve been a strong supporter of this project for a long time and I’m very proud to officially open it.
“I want to thank the thousands of workers who made it happen. This airport will make a real difference for Western Sydney, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to travel for generations to come.”
The Prime Minister’s local MPs were alongside him at the opening.
“It’s an incredible feeling to watch today’s Jetstar flight take off, carrying the first passengers from a runway that will connect Western Sydney with the rest of Australia and the world for decades to come,” said Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley.
Member for Macarthur, Mike Freelander, chimed in with: “Western Sydney International will be a shot in the arm to the economy of the whole region, and will unlock immeasurable opportunities for our people.”
Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff, was just as excited, saying: “South West Sydney has been one of the fastest growing regions in all of Australia, and this international airport will power jobs, growth, and tourism in the Macarthur region for years to come.”
