Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

Today marks 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. 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 underway – 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 (definition). WSA Co is also engaging local Western Sydney firms, for example in site security, site maintenance, and for site preparatory activities.

The company is on track to commence early earthworks at the Western Sydney Airport before the end of the year. Early earthworks will support up to 300 jobs in Western Sydney.

Overall, the Western Sydney Airport construction activity will support over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs and WSA Co has also made a firm commitment to the people of Western Sydney, by setting strict local workforce targets.

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.