Airport to Transform Sydney's Western Suburbs

Sydney's western suburbs are expected to see a sharp rise in population and employment opportunities in the future after the Prime Minister confirmed that the new airport will be located in Badgerys Creek.

In an April 15 statement, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the government has been in discussion about a new airport for the Sydney region for over 50 years, but has now confirmed when and where it will be built. Workers will start building the airport in 2016, however it won't be fully operational for approximately a decade, according to the government.

Once construction starts on this project, it is expected to provide 4,000 jobs in its initial phase, rising to 35,000 by 2035 and over 60,000 after that. When it has reached operation phase, the airport will raise gross domestic product by $24 billion by the year 2060.

With more jobs on the way for this area, investment conditions will be strong in the Western Sydney region, now and into the future, creating ample opportunities for residential real estate and commercial real estate investors.

A growing area

The Western Sydney region will rise from 2 million to 3 million people over the next two decades, according to the government. What this means for the region is that there needs to be a high level of investment in infrastructure to support this growing population. Funding for this development will be shared from both the New South Wales and Australian governments.

Alongside the confirmation of the airport at Badgerys Creek, Prime Minister Tony Abbot also announced the government will invest $3.5 billion over the next 10 years to "transform the region's economy" by developing existing and building new infrastructure.

Road upgrades will be a major focus for development over the next few years, especially in the area surrounding Badgerys Creek.

Areas such as Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool and other major Western Sydney suburbs surrounding the M4 will all benefit from upgrades to the highway.

"Building road and rail infrastructure to support Badgerys Creek will not just benefit airport users, but residents throughout Western Sydney," the April 15 government statement read.

In addition to motorways, the government will also be planning ahead for public transport and railways. A future extension for the South West Rail Link will be planned and reserved by the government, to accommodate for a growing and expanding city.