Imagine one million cubic metres of earth being moved from a hilly part to a lower level of the same huge site.
That’s the mammoth milestone that has just been reached as part of site levelling work at Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek.
But before anyone gets too excited it’s best to point out one million is a tiny part of the total that has to be moved.
Western Sydney Airport chief executive officer Graham Millett says that while great progress has been made on this once-in-a generation project since work commenced in September, there’s plenty more to be done.
“We are one million cubic metres of earth down, meaning we still have a whopping 21 million to go,” Mr Millett said.
“That’s enough earth to fill 8,800 Olympic Swimming pools.
“Levelling the hilly 1,780-hectare site is one of the biggest earthmoving projects in Australian history.
“The difference between the highest and lowest points is equivalent to a 12-storey building.”
The earth being moved will largely remain on site, with the amount needed to fill the valleys roughly equal to what will be taken off the hills.
This means fewer trucks on the road by removing the need to import or export material.
Mr Millett said Western Sydney International will help transform Western Sydney, creating thousands of jobs during construction and even more when it opens.
“As someone who grew up in Western Sydney, this project is close to my heart and I’m proud to be on the team delivering an airport that will create so many opportunities for locals,” he said.
Here’s some of the landmarks since work on Western Sydney International started in September 2018:
- Officially named Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in honour of one of Australia’s great aviation pioneers
- MOUs signed with Qantas Group and Virgin Australia Group
- Construction is well under way on the Airport’s Visitor Centre
- The new Badgerys Creek Road bridge is being constructed on-site – at 49 metres it’s practically as wide as the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Work to move powerlines that were crossing the site underground is complete
- Appointed AVLogix to assist in designing baggage handling services
- Partnered with NSW Wheelchair Rugby League to consult on airport accessibility
- Partnered with Aboriginal advisory firm Enable to deliver strong Aboriginal engagement for the project
- Shortlisted five architectural teams to design the Airport terminal, with Western Sydney university students to be involved
- Appointed engineering design firm Arup to help deliver airport planning for WSA
- Shortlisted three organisations for major earthworks, contract to be awarded in coming months
- Appointed Architectus to plan the airport’s almost 200-hectare on-site business park
Western Sydney International is on track to open for international and domestic passenger flights in 2026.
