Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has today announced that the Federal Government would work with NSW to consider how to deliver a rapid rail link to the second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek.
A joint study with the Baird Government will investigate feasible, costed options to get the rail link up and running when the airport opens in 2026.
The rail link will maximise the economic benefits that this significant infrastructure can bring to the Western Sydney region.
The second airport will create 11,000 jobs for the western Sydney region during the construction phase. Once it is completed, it will create 9,000 direct jobs in the region by 2031.
Federal Liberal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson, in welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement said: “Instead of resigning ourselves to a two-decade delay in getting a rapid rail link to the airport, we have lifted our ambitions to ask – what would it take for rail to be operational at the airport when it opens?”
Mr Matheson said the commitment shows the Government is getting on with the job in a methodical and businesslike manner, while Labor makes promises that it can’t keep.
“While in government, Labor argued that we needed a second Sydney Airport but wouldn’t commit to a site. “More recently, Labor has claimed it will build a rail line without offering any business case or funding.
“Our investment in infrastructure and the recent Innovation Statement are designed to create high-paid jobs and improve livability throughout the Macarthur region,” Mr Matheson said.
Some western Sydney figures jumped the gun regarding the announcement, calling for stations along the way between Badgerys Creek and the centre of Sydney.
They said it was critical for western Sydney that regional centres such as Campbelltown, Liverpool, Blacktown and Penrith were part of the high speed rail between Badgerys Creek airport and Sydney.
It is not clear if such a scenario is part of the brief for the feasibility study announced by the Prime Minister.
