Image courtesy of Transport for NSW
In addition, imports through Port Botany are expected to grow at 7 per cent per annum through the same period leading to an increase in freight by up to 400 per cent.
To support the ongoing growth in movement of passengers and freight, Transport for NSW (formerly Roads and Maritime Services) and Sydney Airport Corporation are developing a new road project referred to as ‘Sydney Gateway’. Sydney Gateway will provide a missing link connecting the airport with the Sydney motorway network and will provide benefits to the local road network by reducing heavy vehicle traffic.
WSP and its joint venture partner, GHD, are playing a key role in delivering technical and environmental advisory services to Transport for NSW for the development and approval of this complex project. This includes preparation of the concept design, environmental assessment documents and technical studies and provision of advice on aviation safety aspects of design.
As the project is located on both NSW and Commonwealth land, a combined Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and preliminary draft Major Development Plan (MDP) was prepared as one document to meet both State Government and Commonwealth planning approval requirements, which is the first time in NSW this has been done.
The combined EIS and MDP was placed on public exhibition on 20 November 2019. A total of 90 submissions were received under the NSW planning process and 93 submissions on the MDP under the Commonwealth planning process. All submissions are being carefully considered to minimise potential impacts.
Glyn Diwell, Technical Specialist Manager for the EIS and MDP, says, “In addition to the combined planning approval requirements, the team also needed to consider complex technical constraints including historical soil and groundwater contamination, airport operations and aviation safety parameters, land use requirements and European and Aboriginal heritage.”
Effective teamwork was vital to the successful delivery of the combined EIS and MDP. Glyn adds, “Our success in achieving the project milestones, while retaining a high-quality document, could not have been achieved without a great relationship with our partners, GHD, and Transport for NSW.”
The successful delivery of the environmental assessment was due in large to a collaborative culture installed by the project team and close attention to the requirements of all stakeholders and will contribute to Sydney Airport and Port Botany thriving for years to come.
To find out more about WSP and our capabilities, please contact Glyn Diwell.
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