The first tracks have been laid on the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line, the public transport spine linking the new airport and the fast-growing area around it.
Only Labor will invest in the infrastructure that a growing Western Sydney needs, and we're getting the job done while supporting local jobs and resources.
More than 6,400 tonnes of Australian-made rail steel will be laid along the 23-kilometre line between St Marys and Bradfield between now and mid-2026.
In total, 106.8 kilometres of rail line and 76,285 sleepers will be installed, including putting tracks down at the stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills.
The new Metro line to Western Sydney International Airport is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and will create over 14,000 jobs during construction, including hundreds of apprenticeships.
The first portion of track was installed at Luddenham, north of a new metro rail bridge over the future M12 motorway, which is also being co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Track laying is now progressing north towards St Marys.
Work to build the six stations for the new line is in full swing, while plans detailing the design for each station are now finalised.
Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport is part of an integrated transport plan that includes massive infrastructure investment in surrounding roads.
In January, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments committed $1 billion in joint funding to upgrade Fifteenth Avenue - a critical transit corridor from Liverpool to the Western Sydney International Airport, unlocking jobs and housing in key growth areas.
The investment in Fifteenth Avenue complements investments in Metro, the $2 billion M12 Motorway, $1 billion Mamre Road Stage 2 Upgrade and $800 million Elizabeth Drive - Priority Sections Upgrade.
The Albanese Government is investing $19 billion towards transport infrastructure projects in Western Sydney. The Minns Labor Government is investing over $21 billion for Western Sydney roads and public transport projects to accommodate population and employment growth.
This is yet another example of the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments building Australia's future, and delivering the critical infrastructure communities need before families move in.
It's a stark contrast to a decade of State and Federal Liberal Governments that allowed communities to grow without providing the infrastructure communities need.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said:
"Every great airport needs a frequent and efficient rail link, and that's what the Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering in Western Sydney.
"Once this track is laid and trains are running, this rail link will connect passengers from the new airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes.
"The Albanese Government has also invested $1 billion to start securing rail corridors in south west Sydney. These corridors will mean this Metro or the Sydney Trains network can be extended, connecting the airport and these growing parts of Sydney to the rest of the city."
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"The start of track laying is an exciting milestone for Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport. Each new metre of track is a step towards economic opportunity for Western Sydney and the economy of NSW.
"Sydney loves Metro and this line will deliver passengers between the wider train network and the new airport but also take workers to the new jobs created at the airport and the many businesses that will grow around it.
"Labor believes Western Sydney deserves the same standard of infrastructure and connectivity that areas closer to the CBD already enjoy - and we are getting on with job of building it. This project is providing 14,000 jobs right here in Western Sydney which is another great dividend.
Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley said:
"With Western Sydney Airport flights starting within the next two years, it has taken a Federal and State Labor Government working together to deliver the infrastructure this part of Sydney needs.
"Liberal Governments at every level wasted a decade in preparing for Sydney's new airport. We're building Australia's future and getting on top of the work this community needs."
Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:
"We're making significant progress on the infrastructure that will shape the future of South West Sydney - with world-class Metro services, better roads, and an international airport on our doorstep.
"This means more local jobs and more opportunity for our growing community.
"While the Liberals sat on their hands for a decade, Labor is getting on with the job and delivering the transport network we need and deserve."
