Western Sydney Airport has reached another major milestone, with companies now invited to bid for a major contract to undertake the mammoth task of clearing and levelling the site.
At almost double the size of Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport, considerable work is required to transform the undulating 1780-hectare site at Badgerys Creek into an operational airport by 2026.
The difference in height between the lowest and highest point of the site is the equivalent of a 12-storey building – requiring the levelling of 22 million cubic metres of soil to make the airport site flat.
The Turnbull Government welcomed the announcement today that Western Sydney Airport – WSA Co – the government-owned company building Western Sydney Airport, is calling for expressions of interest for the first major earthworks contract for the airport.
Chief executive of WSA Co, Graham Millett, said that following extensive market soundings, the major earthworks and airside civils works have been split into three packages.
“We’ve been delighted by the market interest in the project and the eagerness to be part of this history-making project.
“By splitting the major earthworks into three contracts we’re able to broaden the number of eligible tendering parties and drive greater value for the community,” Mr Millett said.
“We anticipate the award of the contract will be completed mid-2019 and we expect to see major earthworks commencing by late 2019, while the recently awarded early earthworks package is scheduled to commence in coming weeks,” he said.
The company also called for requests for tender on the much-anticipated design and construction of the Visitor Centre, with an appointment expected in October.
Opening in mid-2019, the Visitor Centre will give Western Sydney a first-class ticket to view the airport’s construction and will also be an important facility as the Australian and NSW Governments work to attract global and Australian businesses to locate in Western Sydney to take advantage of the huge opportunities this airport will deliver.
Western Sydney Airport will support over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and over 27,000 during operation.
WSA Co has local employment targets of 30 per cent during construction and 50 per cent during operation, to ensure the airport provides jobs for Western Sydney residents.
By ensuring jobs for locals, the airport will deliver major opportunities for western Sydney businesses to contribute to the historic pipeline of investment being delivered in the region.
Last week marked one year since the Australian Government established WSA Co, following through on its equity investment of $5.3 billion to build and operate Western Sydney Airport.
“This time last year, we established WSA Co with four board members charged with delivering one of the most significant transport infrastructure projects in Australia,’’ said infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher.
“The full board complement was appointed by November 2017, resulting in a board of seven with the right mix of skills and expertise to lead the delivery of Western Sydney Airport.
“WSA Co has since transitioned from start up to delivery. The company has established its base in central Liverpool and has its first critical project well under way – the nearly $100 million project to move an overhead high voltage cable is already well ahead of schedule.
“The company has also awarded three major contracts, for early earthworks and multi-year contracts for delivery partner and project manager.
“WSA Co is also engaging local Western Sydney firms, for example in site security, site maintenance, and for site preparatory activities,’’ Mr Fletcher said.
“The Australian Government continues to work closely with WSA Co to ensure the company meets its regulatory obligations and the project stays on track for the airport to open in 2026.’’
Pigs might fly