Mitchell residents to have their say on proposed Western Sydney Airport

Residents of Mitchell can now have their say on the development of a Western Sydney Airport, with the Australian Government releasing the draft Airport Plan and the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for public consultation.

Federal Member for Mitchell, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, said the proposed airport will be an important driver for Western Sydney’s economy and provide more jobs in the region, with the declaration of Commonwealth-owned land at Badgerys Creek as the airport site in July already paying dividends.

“Residents are already seeing the benefits of the Australian Government’s decision to develop an airport for Western Sydney through our $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan. It is delivering jobs and reducing congestion for local motorists, while also ensuring the airport site is connected by strong transport links.

“With this growth region set for a 50% population explosion – from two million to three million people in just the next 20 years – the proposed airport will create thousands of jobs over the 10-year construction phase and more into the future once the airport begins operation in the mid-2020s,” Alex Hawke said.

“It will also support the development of other industries, ranging from freight and logistics through to tourism, education and research, manufacturing and professional services, creating a global hub for business travellers and tourists alike in Western Sydney.

“This announcement ensures residents have the opportunity to find out what the proposed airport means to them and have their say on its development, with the draft Airport Plan and draft EIS being key documents in the proposed airport’s design and delivery.

“Our unprecedented investment in local roads, the official declaration of Badgerys Creek as an airport site in July 2015, and now the release of the draft Airport Plan and draft EIS, shows the Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering an airport for Western Sydney,” concluded Alex Hawke MP.

The draft Airport Plan and draft EIS are on public exhibition from 19 October to 18 December 2015. To find out more about the submission process and community consultation activities, visit www.westernsydneyairport.gov.au.