Major construction is one step closer to commencing on the $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport project, with WSA Co awarding three major contracts - the Early Earthworks, Delivery Partner and Design Management contracts.
The Early Earthworks contract has been awarded to the joint venture between CPB Contractors and Lendlease, paving the way for works to begin on site by the end of 2018. The early earthworks package will involve moving more than 1.8 million cubic metres of earth. The package also includes road and drainage works as well as realignment works on Badgerys Creek Road.
“Up to 180 workers will be employed to undertake site preparation, moving around 1.8 million cubic metres of soil to start levelling the site,” Federal Minister for Urban infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said.
The Delivery Partner contract, on the other hand, has been awarded to American firm Bechtel. Under their contract, the company will help manage the construction of the airport as well as ensure that the project is delivered with the highest safety and quality standards.
Bechtel was also awarded a separate contract for design management works which will get the company to support WSA Co in developing the design for Western Sydney Airport.
“Bechtel is one of the world’s most experienced airport builders, having managed the construction of Hong Kong International Airport.
“Competition for the tenders was strong as the opportunity to be involved in this exciting greenfield project continues to see its global profile expand,” WSA Co Chief Executive Officer Graham Millet said.
The three awarded contracts are expected to generate up to 300 jobs. The entire Western Sydney Airport development is projected to support more than 11,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase and an additional 27,000 once the airport is operational.
WSA Co is targeting approximately 30 per cent local employment during construction and 50 per cent during operation. This will ensure that the airport will provide jobs for Western Sydney residents.
“These contracts will deliver real economic benefits for Western Sydney and are further evidence of the tremendous progress being made on this once-in-a-generation project.
“Western Sydney Airport will be a catalyst for growth in the region and it’s great to see that starting now, generating more local jobs, even at this early stage in the project,” Assistant Minister for Finance David Coleman said.
The first stage of earthworks is due to be completed in late-2019. The contracts for the Bulk Earthworks and Airside Civil packages are expected to go to market later this year.
The Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek is set to open in 2026.
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Source: WSA Co; News.com.au; Paul Fletcher MP; Roads and Infrastructure Australia