Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have lodged a formal submission on the Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2025–45 for Western Sydney International Airport (WSI). Our notice reinforces a freight-first approach so WSI doesn't become a passenger-led airport with cargo as an afterthought.
View the submission HERE (PDF)
What we've highlighted on behalf of exporters, importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and logistics providers:
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Cargo precinct detail and scale — build bonded warehousing, cold-chain, inspection/treatment capacity and automation from day one.
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Freight-first corridors — secure direct, high-capacity links to Port Botany, Moorebank/Enfield and Inland Rail to avoid passenger congestion penalties.
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ABF/DAFF integration — embed licensed depot, inspection and treatment facilities on-site and integrate digitally with ICS and future single-window systems.
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Industrial land safeguards — ring-fence freight, warehousing and cold storage so it isn't squeezed out by retail/office uses over time.
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Digital-first operations — real-time visibility and paperless trade (WCO/MLETR-aligned) to position WSI as a modern Asia-Pacific cargo hub.
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Sustainability and resilience — plan for SAF readiness, low-emissions ground fleets, renewable-powered cold-chain, and surge/contingency capacity.
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Global benchmarks — publish measurable service standards to match leading cargo airports.
While we welcome WSI's curfew-free settings and the intent to reserve land for cargo, our submission makes it clear: freight must be treated as a core pillar if WSI is to shift the dial on Australia's trade competitiveness.
For further details, please refer to the submission or contact Tom Jensen at tjensen@FTAlliance.com.au.
Tom Jensen – General Manager, Freight Policy & Operations – FTA/APSA