Latest news on the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).

November 2024 update:

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport preliminary flight paths were published on 7 November 2024, in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). 

The EIS, including the submissions report is available in digital format at the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport website.  The EIS is also available in hardcopy at the State Library of NSW and Penrith City Library, and will be available at other locations across greater Sydney. A list of locations will be also available on the WSI website. 

The final EIS includes 5 changes to the preliminary flight paths that were presented in the draft EIS. These changes have been included in the online Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool, which can be viewed at WSI website. Two of these changes were subject to further consultation in August this year; of the remaining three, two represent minor adjustments to the flight paths released in June last year, and one flight path has been removed.

The publication of the final EIS does not mean that the flight paths have been approved.

The final EIS has been provided to the Minister for the Environment and Water under the EPBC Act. The Minister for the Environment and Water will give advice on whether the flight paths should be authorised and, if so, whether any conditions should be attached to the authorisation. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government will then decide whether to approve the flight paths.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to the WSI team.

May 2024 update:

The first batch of submissions are available for review on the NSW Government website.

January 2024 update:

On behalf of the Australian Government, we would like to remind you that submissions on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) preliminary flight paths are due by the close of the day 31 January 2024.

A hard copy of the draft EIS is available to view at Auburn Library, Civic Place, 1 Susan St, Auburn until 31 January 2024.

To make a submission, visit the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport website.

November 2023 consultation:

Have you heard that construction of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is well underway? In fact, the airport is on track to open domestic, international and freight flights by late 2026. 

The Australian Government is developing the flight paths for the single runway operations at WSI. As part of this process, the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for WSI flight paths is now open for public consultation. 

The draft EIS provides information about the preliminary flight paths, and their potential environmental, social, health and economic impacts. It also includes a draft Noise Insulation and Property Acquisition policy, which outlines measures to address and reduce aircraft noise in the communities most affected. 

Some changes will need to be made to flight paths at other airports in the Sydney region, including Kingsford Smith Airport. These details are also set out in the draft Environmental Impact Statement, and you can use our updated Noise Tool to find out what they could mean for you. 

The Australian Government wants to know what you think about the draft EIS and the measures it is proposing to put in place to manage the impacts of the flight paths. You can share your views by making a submission before 31 January 2024. Submissions made during the public exhibition period will be considered and addressed in the final EIS through a public submissions report. The Minister for the Environment and Water, who will advise whether the preliminary flight paths should be authorised by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. 

To read the draft EIS, see the preliminary flight paths and make a submission, visit the WSI website. You can also view a printed copy of the draft EIS at Council's Libraries and Admin Centres. You may also like to head along to a Community Information and Feedback Session. These will be held in various locations across Sydney during November and December, and are an opportunity to ask questions, get some help using the noise tool, and find out more. 

For further information visit the WSI website, email the WSI team or call 1800 038 160.