Western Sydney Aerotropolis

At the invitation of the Hon. Suart Ayres (MP NSW Minister for Western Sydney) and the Hon Paul Fletcher (MP Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities), Michael Bennett (Member Representative - Airfreight) and I represented Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis freight and logistics roundtable on Friday 24 August 2018.

Hon. Sturat Ayres, MP NSW Minister for Western Sydney, Michael Bennett and Paul Zalai (FTA / APSA)

As Minister Ayres highlighted, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop Australia's first 21st Century city, business hub and newest international airport. Importantly, the Minister noted to help ensure its success, it's vital industry and government work in partnership.

Key points from the roundtable:

•  Western Sydney Airport will become Australia's largest international airport, predicted to service 82 million passengers by 2063

• construction has already begun, guided by the newly-released Land Use and Infrastructure Plan

• freight and logistics industries and strong supply chains are fundamental to success

• we must plan an airport of and for the future to ensure relevancy in the decades to come

• the development has unprecedented bipartisan commitment across all three levels of government

• all stakeholders must play a role in engaging with the community to ensure ongoing support.

Feedback from FTA/ APSA and industry representatives included:

• ensure the airport and business precinct is curfew free, technologically smart, secure and accessible

• develop strong planning controls including residential and transport zoning, as well as noise management plans

• protect transport and freight corridors to prevent congestion both in and around Western Sydney and in central Sydney

• enable access to a skilled, 24-hour labour force

• investigate how to make residency in the Aerotropolis cost effective and attractive.

 
Next steps

The NSW Government will soon establish smaller industry working groups and host one-on-one feedback sessions. These will help gain a deeper knowledge of supply chains in targeted market segments and better understand how to build and embed within the Aerotropolis a culture of cross-industry collaboration.
 
We are also delighted to advise that the Wetsern Sydney Airport Company (WSA Co) has partnered with FTA / APSA as an Affiliate Member. WSA Co was established in August 2017 to develop and operate Western Sydney Airport.

FTA / APSA will be providing updates to assist businesses in future planning needs. In the interim, members should contact me direct atpzalai@FTAllaince.com.au for a facilitated meeting with WSA Co

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA