Private investment in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis has reached $34.6 billion, with the NSW Government positioning the growth as an opportunity to strengthen the state’s manufacturing capability and support the development of emerging industries.
The NSW Government said private investment in the Aerotropolis has tripled over the past 18 months, exceeding the $29 billion being invested in public infrastructure. The investment comes as Western Sydney International Airport begins freight operations and prepares to commence passenger services this month.
For NSW manufacturing, the government is highlighting new facilities at Bradfield City that are intended to support research, prototyping, product development and advanced manufacturing. The second building at Bradfield City is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2028.
Expressions of interest have opened for businesses operating in scientific, innovative and complex technology sectors. Available space includes a 380-square-metre Manufacturing Hall for advanced manufacturing, research and prototyping, as well as a 280-square-metre Manufacturing Area for product development, research translation and manufacturing activities.
A further 1,150 square metres of commercial office space will support technology companies, researchers, start-ups, scale-ups and industry partners.
NSW Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said the state’s economic performance would depend partly on its ability to develop and manufacture more products locally.
“Australia’s economic future depends on our ability to develop, make and commercialise more products here at home,” Houssos said.
“The nationally significant semiconductor and advanced manufacturing capability being delivered in Bradfield City will help strengthen domestic manufacturing, support sovereign capability and position New South Wales at the forefront of emerging industries.”
The government said businesses establishing at Bradfield would have the opportunity to combine manufacturing, research and development and commercial operations within a single building.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the development could help address the movement of Australian-developed products and technologies offshore for manufacturing.
“Too often great ideas are developed in Australia but commercialised and manufactured elsewhere,” Scully said. “Bradfield is changing that, developing into a new global hub for innovative industries and advanced manufacturing.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the broader development was also intended to increase access to employment opportunities in Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney residents deserve to see the benefits of this growth in their own backyard through more well-paid jobs, stronger industries and greater economic opportunity for generations to come,” Car said.
The NSW Government said companies including Amazon and ALDI have already selected locations within the broader Aerotropolis, while the latest Bradfield opportunities are aimed at attracting additional businesses across manufacturing, technology and research.
The government’s stated objective is to build greater connections between research, manufacturing and commercialisation in NSW as investment in the Western Sydney region continues to grow.
