02 October 2020 Sandstone removed to make way for the WestConnex tunnels will be repurposed to help build the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in a sustainability partnership between the two projects. More than 4.5 million tonnes of sandstone will be transported from the WestConnex M4-M5 Link and Rozelle Interchange tunnelling sites. Western Sydney International will use the crushed rock from the WestConnex sites to construct heavy vehicle roads on site, and a supportive layer which will sit beneath taxiways and runways. Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said almost 983,000 tonnes of sandstone had already been transported to the airport site since March 2020. “This high-quality sandstone will be used as a strong foundation to support the construction of the runway, taxiways and roads on the airport site,” Mr Hickey said. “This is another example of how Western Sydney International is delivering world-class infrastructure, while also saving taxpayer funds and reducing waste. “It’s about proven and sensible sustainability and efficiency, reusing resources and reducing carbon emissions. “Western Sydney International is one of the biggest earthmoving projects in Australian history, and we’ve already moved more than 5 million cubic metres of earth across the 1780-hectare site. “We’re building an airport for Sydney’s future, and Western Sydney International will create thousands of jobs in construction and even more when the Airport is operational.” Western Sydney International is on track to open for international, domestic and air cargo flights in late 2026. 0kb Media enquiries media@wsaco.com.au
