Western Sydney Airport targets local jobs

Friday, 16 March 2018

The Federal Government has committed to delivering local jobs for the region during construction and in the ongoing operation of Western Sydney Airport.

The Federal Government has committed to delivering local jobs for the region during construction and in the ongoing operation of Western Sydney Airport.

Penrith Council has welcomed this news, having campaigned for a commitment such as this as part of the work to maximise the benefits while minimising the impacts of the airport for Penrith residents.

"We need to ensure that the many benefits the airport will provide for the region translate directly into local opportunities for our residents. Providing local jobs for local people is a step in the right direction," Cr Thain said.

Employment targets released by the Western Sydney Airport Corporation (WSA Co) confirm that 50% of employees will be residents of Western Sydney when it opens in 2026. 

In addition to the ongoing employment opportunities provided by the airport, WSA Co have also set targets to employ at least 30% of their workforce from Western Sydney during the construction phase.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the airport's capacity to provide local employment opportunities for the people of Penrith will be substantial, in both the short and long term.

"The local employment targets for Western Sydney Airport, both during construction and after the airport is fully operational, give Penrith residents greater opportunity to access jobs close to home," said Cr Thain.

According to Government forecasts, the airport's construction phase will provide over 11,000 jobs, with that expanding into almost 28,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2031, five years after the airport opens in 2026.

"Penrith is uniquely positioned to capitalise on these significant employment opportunities; our City Centre is only 11kms from the airport site, making it the perfect location for workers to access the variety of jobs that will be generated over the coming years.

"With the State and Federal Government's commitment to deliver Stage One of a North South Rail Link, Penrith residents will be closer than ever to the jobs that will flow from the airport.

"Council has always recognised the huge opportunities the airport will bring for Penrith. It's wonderful to be working together with State and Federal Governments as partners in the City Deal to realise the potential of the airport for our region and deliver more local jobs for our residents," Cr Thain said.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Friday, 16 March 2018.