How Badgerys Creek Airport will change the Western Sydney job market

The long-awaited Western Sydney airport is finally here. Slated for completion in 2026, this project was first put forward decades ago – but this time, the Badgerys Creek airport project is happening, and it promises a huge impact on the Western Sydney jobs market – before, during and after construction.

Here are some of the ways we anticipate it changing the jobs market in the years to come:

Before construction

It was recently announced that the Federal Government would be helming the project. While still in the planning phases, the government will likely be looking to hire in engineering and property and construction firms to assist with the costing and specifications, as it plans to announce the budget for the project in the next Budget.

Engineering and building talent, supply chain expertise and project management skills will therefore likely be in high demand. “Whether this talent is sourced locally or not is another question,” says Adrian Oldham, Regional Director at Michael Page. “But there’s a strong possibility that Western Sydney’s large professional workforce will be tapped for this project.”

During construction

Demand for property and construction talent, supply chain and logistics experts and building labour will explode during this time, much of which will require local talent and the expertise of local businesses. Again, project management skills will be in high demand.

It’s likely that people with these talents will be attracted to the region in order to take on the work, which would have a sustained impact on the demographics and skills profile of the area, causing a ripple effect for housing, local health and education infrastructure and the other amenities required to service the population. “As the area is currently semi-rural, we expect that the construction phase will be the beginning of a transformation on a huge scale,” says Oldham.

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After completion

When the airport is built, the long-lasting changes to industry in the region will begin. It is likely to become a huge centre for distribution, taking the freight load off Sydney Airport and functioning as a transport and business hub for not only Western Sydney, but also Canberra, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and Western NSW.

Everyone from security staff to retail workers, and management to air traffic control will be required to service and maintain the new airport and its shops, hospitality facilities, storage and distribution channels and infrastructure – creating significant demand in an area with historically lower employment opportunities than in the more central Sydney hubs.

Beyond the airport itself, the area will become more attractive and viable for people and businesses to operate out of, encouraging investment and creating opportunities for locals, and lessening the strain on the existing infrastructure in the inner Sydney region.

This is a huge injection into the Western Sydney economy – and into Australia’s economy as a whole. Exciting developments will undoubtedly take place as the project nears completion, leaving a significantly transformed jobs landscape across Western Sydney.

Michael Page are the Western Sydney jobs experts. If you’re looking for a job in Western Sydney, start here.