Hard hats and excavators will be on the Western Sydney Airport site by the end of the year after WSA Co awarded major contracts that will create up to 300 jobs.
WSA Co chief executive officer Graham Millett said the early earthworks contract, which includes the initial earthwork to level the site for airport construction, was awarded to the CPB Contractors and Lendlease joint venture.
“We have Western Sydney employment targets built into the contracts, which means jobs for locals will be guaranteed,” Mr Millett said.
Work under the contract involves moving around 1.8 million cubic metres of soil to help level the site for major construction. The contract also involves building access roads and drainage.
Bechtel was awarded the delivery partner contract and will work closely with WSA Co to manage airport construction and ensure the project is safely completed on time, ready for passengers and aircraft in 2026.
“Bechtel is one of the world’s most experienced airport builders, having managed the construction of Hong Kong International Airport,” Mr Millett said.
“The company is also helping to deliver expansions to London’s Gatwick and City airports in a similar delivery management capacity to their role with Western Sydney Airport.
“Competition for the tenders was strong as the opportunity to be involved in this exciting greenfield project continues to see its global profile expand.”
Bechtel also won a separate contract to help WSA Co manage the airport design project.
WSA Co’s local employment targets of 30 per cent during construction and 50 per cent during operation will ensure the airport provides jobs for Western Sydney residents.
Bulk earthworks and airside civil packages are expected to go to market later this year.
Almost 12 months after it was established, WSA Co has met all major milestones and is on track to see construction activity begin by the end of the year.
Since it was established in August 2017 WSA Co, the Australian Government Business Enterprise charged with building and operating Western Sydney Airport, has awarded significant contracts, submitted a draft airport site layout and secured senior leaders with global aviation experience.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Everyone at WSA Co is focused on safely and efficiently meeting our 2026 deadline to have Western Sydney Airport open for our passenger, airline and freight customers,” Mr Millett said.[/social_quote]
“The airport is projected to support 11,000 direct and indirect jobs in construction and 27,000 when it’s operating – many will be filled by local Western Sydney residents.’’
It still means a couple of hours in the cars each day to get to these jobs, no different from the present