Senator Matt Canavan asked airport boss Simon Hickey last month about why other key roads surrounding the airport, including Elizabeth Drive, would not be upgraded for up to five years after the airport had opened.

‘We are concerned at the dramatically rising costs of existing warehouse space, which will ultimately flow through to the price of goods putting further pressure on inflation.’

DHL spokesperson

“As the airport continues to grow, I expect there to be ongoing infrastructure development around the airport. It doesn’t all need to line up before we open. I’m comfortable that the infrastructure development will grow in line with the growth of the airport,” Hickey said, after conceding some operators would need to use warehouse storage offsite.

Hickey said the airport was in discussions with operators to work out of its cargo precinct and confirmed it was still slated to open at the same time as the airport.

“WSIA is well advanced in commercial discussions with major operators. Air cargo customers for the first stage of the airport are yet to be announced,” he said.

When asked if the state government could expedite the Elizabeth Drive upgrade, a Transport NSW spokesperson said it was still working on the scope and prioritisation. Stakeholders would be updated in coming months once that work was completed.

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