Western Sydney Airport (WSA) recently announced it is far exceeding its local employment target through the construction phase of one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Australia.
The WSA have recorded 56 per cent of the workforce currently engaged in the construction phase are residents of Western Sydney, smashing their original 30 per cent target.
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said this was great news for the local economy.
“From the outset, my focus has been on creating local jobs. The Western Sydney Airport is beating its local employment targets, and this means creating more local jobs and boosting our economy as we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Ms McIntosh.
“Investing in the infrastructure projects our community needs also opens new opportunities for small businesses to create more local jobs.
“We’re seeing the benefits right here in Western Sydney, where businesses like Two Way Cranes have taken on more people to keep up with their growing demand as they contribute to the construction of the Airport.”
Managing Director of Two Way Cranes, Frank Zammit said he was proud to be a part of the project.
“Securing the crane hire contract for WSA was one of the highlights of my business career,” said Mr Zammit.
“The project has enabled me to look further into the future, order new cranes and hire more employees. Most of my current employees and staff were born and raised in Western Sydney and we all enjoy working with the project.
“I try to keep my employees relatively close to home, where possible, so working at Western Sydney Airport, I feel has really raised the morale and sense of community within my business.
“I often leave home in the morning and notice my cranes working at the airport and it is really a dream come true to see.
“These machines are Australian made in Brisbane and the project loves the machine and their capacity.
Ms McIntosh said the Western Sydney Airport is expected to support almost 28,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2031, five years after the airport opens.
“The Western Sydney Airport will create thousands of jobs and open new opportunities for local businesses, enabling them to showcase their Aussie made products to Australia and the world,” said Ms McIntosh.
“Our commitment to supporting local jobs is ongoing. From 2026 when the Airport is up and running, the local employment target will go to 50 per cent, which means we’re supporting more long-term local jobs.”