Council’s submission on the Western Sydney International Airport’s Draft EIS

Recently, Camden Council was asked to provide feedback to the Australian Government, by way of a formal submission, based on an assessment of the information presented in the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s (WSI) Preliminary Flight Paths and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS).

Through its submission, Council looked to represent one of the fastest growing local government areas in the country. Today, our Camden community comprises over 130,000 residents and, when WSI opens in 2026, our community will have grown to over 150,000 residents, with planned growth to support a future community of over 250,000 residents once the proposed airport is fully developed.

In its submission, Council has identified a number of key concerns brought about by the Draft EIS. While Council acknowledges the significant economic benefits, transport systems and improved business links WSI will deliver to the Western Sydney region, it also seeks to highlight points of concern, implications and recommendations for further action on the part of the Australian Government.

Council’s submission in full can be viewed here.  A summary of key issues for the Camden area is also provided below. For more information, please expand your chosen topic, read through the content provided and follow the links out to even more information:

1. Noise impacts

While the Australian Government has committed to aircraft noise management, Camden has flagged concerns the Draft EIS falls short of world’s best practice.
As such, it has called for action to rectify this issue.
For more information, visit www.westernsydneyairport.gov.au/flight-paths/aircraft-noise

2. Impacts to air quality

Air pollution is one of the world’s greatest environmental risks to human health and Council has concerns with the Australian Government proposing to increase the volume of air pollution over the Camden area.
As such, Council has requested the Australian Government responds to issues pertaining to air quality.
For more information, visit www.westernsydneyairport.gov.au/environment-heritage/environment/air-quality

3. Greenhouse gas emissions

Council believes its commitment to facilitating action on sustainability initiatives in our local area, as reflected in the Sustainability Strategy 2020-2024, may be at risk from WSI’s future operation.
As such, Council has requested action from the Australian Government in mitigating its adverse impacts from greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Hazard and risk

Council believes more work is required by the Australian Government in managing risk mitigation, as well as greater transparency and community education in explaining the hazards and risks associated with large commercial aircraft operating where people live.

5. Wildlife strike risk

Council has called for the completion of meaningful analysis and research into, and reporting on, existing wildlife movements in the area and the potential for impacts resulting from the operation of WSI. 

6. Land use and planning

Council believes there are gaps in the Draft EIS when it comes to land use planning, which require further action on the part of the Australian Government.

7. Landscape and visual amenity

As noted in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2036, the Camden community places a high value on our natural environment and where we live and work.
Council believes the projected impacts on landscape and visual amenity in the Camden area resulting from the WSI is a key consideration and calls for action by the Australian Government in contributing toward the preservation of our local landscape and visual amenity.

8. Biodiversity

Council has concerns over the Draft EIS not aligning with its Community Strategic Plan 2036, which clearly references Council’s initiatives, actions and vision.
As such, Council has called for the Australian Government to consider actions to mitigate biodiversity impacts resulting from WSI.

9. Heritage

Heritage is an important part of the character of the Camden area and Council is concerned the Draft EIS does not adequately assess the heritage impacts associated with WSI.
Council has called for more work in this regard.

10. Social

Council has called for the Australian Government to further research the extent of the social impacts, both positive and negative, prior to proceeding with the WSI project.

10. Economic

The economic benefits associated with WSI are well-documented, but Council believes the Draft EIS falls short in quantifying the adverse economic impacts.
As such, Council has called on the Australian Government to further consider research and action in this space. 

12. Human health

Council has noted there is evidence in the Draft EIS of the potential of adverse impacts to human health resulting from the WSI’s operation, including the likes of sleep deprivation.
Council has called on the Australian Government to fulfil its duty of care to Camden residents in responding to recommendations for human health.

13. Facilitated changes

Council has called for the flow-on effects of the WSI on other airports in the Sydney Basin to be fully quantified and reflected in the Draft EIS.

14. Cumulative impacts

Council has called for an update to the Draft EIS for the operation of Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA), to ensure an integrated operational approach between WSI and KSA.

There are a number of resources on the Draft EIS available, provided by the Australian Government, including:

Apart from the issues flagged in Council’s submission, we want to ensure Camden residents are as informed as possible about WSI.

Below are common topics of interest of Camden residents. For more information, please expand your chosen topic, read through the content provided and follow the links out to even more information:

  1. Flight paths
    The WSI is set to open for domestic and international travellers, and freight, by late 2026.

    The process for developing flight paths is well underway and on track for the airport’s scheduled opening in 2026.

    For more information, visit www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au/

    For the Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool, visit wsiflightpaths.aerlabs.com/?lng=en
  2. The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan
    The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan sets out a framework for future development within the new 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

    For more information, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/bradfield-city-centre-master-plan

Council also provided input to the preparation of The Parks’ submission on the Draft EIS. The Parks is an alliance of eight local councils, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly, that have partnered with the State and Federal Governments to deliver the 20-year Western Sydney City Deal. To read The Parks’ submission, click here.