An extra $3.5 billion will be invested by the NSW and federal governments for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, with construction to commence before the end of 2020, announced Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“Construction is already well underway on the airport, and later this year works will start on this new Metro service which will link the suburbs of Western Sydney to the rest of Sydney,” said Morrison.
Morrison made the announcement of extra federal funding alongside NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“This project is moving forward, through the hard work that has been carried out by the Federal, New South Wales and local governments over the past year,” said Berejiklian.
“The opportunities this mega project will provide are vital as our economy recovers from the financial impact of the COVID-19.”
The line will include six metro stations, including two at the airport, one at the terminal and another at the business park. Stations will also be built in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Orchard Hills, and Luddenham. An interchange station will be built at St Marys to connect the line with the rest of the Sydney network.
The 23km line is expected to cost $11bn and is scheduled to open in 2026 in time for the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said that the metro line will be at the centre of the under-development region.
“This new metro railway line will become the transport spine for the region, connecting travellers from the new airport to the rest of Sydney’s public transport system.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said that the project would support the wider economy.
“This project will support 14,000 jobs, bringing new opportunities for the people of Western Sydney, closer to home,” he said.
“It represents an economic stimulus in the middle of Western Sydney, supporting jobs for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, tunnellers, surveyors, crane and forklift operators and truck drivers.”