An airport in the west will provide a Sydney wide boost for jobs and economic growth

Barney Glover

An airport at Badgerys Creek will unlock Western Sydney’s vast economic, employment and intellectual capacity says University of Western Sydney Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover.

Professor Glover cites a Deloitte report released in December 2013, projecting that a new airport in Western Sydney would generate close to 30,000 new jobs, and $9 billion in economic output for the Region by 2050. “These figures alone make a compelling case; but it is the nature of these employment and economic opportunities that are most appealing.” 

Professor Glover continues. “The airport will be a catalyst in the Region’s shift from manufacturing to innovation-based industries. As Western Sydney’s leading research and teaching institution, the University will be pivotal in providing the career-ready graduates and the world-class research expertise to deliver this outcome.”

“Building an airport at Badgerys Creek is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly realise Western Sydney’s socio-economic potential. Importantly, it’s also about enabling this region to play a leading part in the broader development of Sydney as a whole into a truly globally integrated city”, says Professor Glover.

“As the University for the Region, we are well positioned to bring our existing expertise to the design, construction and management of the airport’s start-up phases”, says Professor Glover. “And we will work with all levels of government, business and the community to support aligned industries that emerge as a result of this major infrastructure investment.”

“The type of airport developed in Western Sydney is just as important as the decision to go ahead," cautions Professor Glover. “This new airport must be a world-class facility, and not simply be seen as the poor cousin to Kingsford Smith.”

“A Western Sydney airport needs to be one that caters for both passenger and freight travel, and integrates the full range of value-added services and airport infrastructure, such as business and innovation parks, recreation, retail and conferencing facilities,” says Professor Glover.

“It should be a diverse employment and activity hub that intersects with the many mobile, career professionals who travel in and out of our airports every day, functioning as a major economic asset for Western Sydney, and for a truly global Sydney.”

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