The NSW Government has released its formal response to a parliamentary inquiry into transport infrastructure for Western Sydney. The response, published on 20 May 2025, addresses concerns about the readiness of roads, rail, and bus services ahead of the airport’s 2026 opening.
The response supports several recommendations but rejects a key transparency request—the release of the full business case for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line.
Inquiry Triggered by Infrastructure Concerns
The NSW Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure launched the inquiry in early 2024. Its goal was to investigate whether current infrastructure planning could meet the demands of the new airport and the surrounding Aerotropolis.
Local councils, government agencies, and transport experts warned that Western Sydney could face worsening congestion without early intervention. Many projects were still in planning stages, with no delivery timeline. Community leaders feared that missed infrastructure would lock in car dependency and delay access to new jobs.
The Committee received 45 submissions and heard from 36 witnesses during three days of public hearings.
Key Recommendations from the Final Report
The Committee published its report in November 2024. It set out 18 recommendations to deliver essential infrastructure and improve planning coordination. Major actions included:
- Launching rapid bus services from Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and other centres before the airport opens in 2026.
- Building dedicated bus lanes and signal priority to support reliable travel.
- Extending the South-West Rail Link from Leppington to the airport.
- Delivering a staged North–South rail line from Bradfield to Oran Park, Macarthur, Tallawong, and St Marys.
- Planning a future Metro West extension from Westmead to the airport.
- Constructing an M12 Motorway interchange at Mamre Road and Elizabeth Drive.
- Investigating a fuel pipeline to reduce reliance on road tankers.
- Preserving and acquiring transport corridors for future infrastructure.
- Publishing a sequenced infrastructure program tied to growth stages.
- Releasing the full business case for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport.
Government Agrees to Sequencing, Rejects Business Case Release
In its response, the NSW Government backed many planning recommendations. It highlighted the Aerotropolis Sector Plan, released in March 2025. This plan outlines infrastructure priorities for 2027, 2030, and 2040.
The government confirmed that Infrastructure NSW will track implementation and issue regular updates. Transport for NSW will continue publishing its biannual infrastructure pipeline.
Land acquisition has started earlier than expected for the Elizabeth Drive Upgrade. The government noted this as a proactive step toward enabling freight access and easing pressure on local roads.
However, it rejected the call to release the full Sydney Metro business case, citing Cabinet confidentiality. Instead, it referred stakeholders to the published Business Case Evaluation Summary.
The government also chose not to commit to new value capture measures. It will review future opportunities case by case but made no firm commitment to expand current funding tools.
Public Transport Plans Still Underway
Transport for NSW is preparing new rapid bus routes to connect the airport with Liverpool, Campbelltown, Penrith, Mount Druitt, and Leppington. Services will run every 30 minutes, seven days a week, from 5am to 10pm.
The response did not confirm whether dedicated bus lanes will be built before the airport opens. Nor did it provide funding or timelines for Leppington rail or North–South Metro extensions. These remain in feasibility or planning stages.
Road projects like the M12 Motorway interchange and Mamre Road widening are progressing. But the Committee had urged the government to release clear timelines. The Sector Plan may help address that gap, though details remain limited.
Why It Matters for Western Sydney
The Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is a $5.3 billion infrastructure project set to begin operations in late 2026. It will operate 24 hours a day and is expected to handle 10 million passengers annually in its early years.
The Aerotropolis—a 10-precinct employment hub around the airport—aims to deliver jobs in freight, education, agribusiness, and logistics. Precincts like Bradfield, Mamre Road, and Kemps Creek are part of the 2018 Western Sydney City Deal.
Without effective transport links, these developments risk becoming isolated. Many existing Western Sydney communities lack rail access and rely heavily on car travel. The inquiry warned that slow delivery could entrench transport inequity for decades.
Next Steps
The NSW Government will monitor delivery through Infrastructure NSW and Transport for NSW. The following actions are now underway or planned:
- Rolling out the Aerotropolis Sector Plan, including staged infrastructure delivery.
- Continuing stakeholder and community engagement on bus, road, and rail projects.
- Publishing regular progress updates through the Transport Infrastructure Industry Portal.
Some projects have funding and are progressing. Others still lack timelines or delivery guarantees. The Committee noted that decisions made now will shape travel patterns, land use, and employment access across Western Sydney for the next generation.
For more information, visit the NSW Parliament Committee on Transport and Infrastructure webpage.
