The first building to rise on the site of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has been officially opened by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison.
Mr Morrison opened the airport’s ‘Experience Centre’ which he said was designed in conjunction with the local landscape to guide visitors through an exhibition space into a viewing area where they can see airport construction under way.
The Prime Minister said earthworks were set to begin on the airport in early 2020.
“The viewing area is also equipped with augmented reality, allowing visitors to view how the terminal and runway will look and where they will be positioned,” Mr Morrison said.
“The Centre will feature interactive digital videos including the history of the region, the importance of the airport to Western Sydney and the massive economic benefits.”
He said it would provide an opportunity for the people of Western Sydney to see first-hand the transformation under way in the region, driven by the airport’s development.
“Western Sydney International will deliver jobs and economic growth for the region and this Centre offers the chance for local people to feel like they are part of it,” Mr Morrison said.
He said employment targets had been set, so that 30 per cent of jobs during construction would go to local Western Sydney residents, increasing to 50 per cent when the airport is operating.
He said construction of the airport began last year and it was on track to open in 2026.
Mr Morrison said that throughout the construction period, the airport would support more than 11,000 jobs and was expected to support 28,000 full-time jobs within five years of opening.
