Local Government NSW is calling for a $5 billion interest-free loan scheme to help councils build roads, drainage and other infrastructure needed for housing. Councils would repay the loans through developer contributions as development progresses. The peak body says thousands of homes are being delayed by inadequate infrastructure, particularly in outer metropolitan Sydney and regional areas. LGNSW president Darcy Byrne urged all political parties to back the proposal ahead of the state election. The plan also includes $3 billion in upfront state and regional infrastructure funding and allows developer contributions to fund community facilities.
A holidaymaker who flew into Western Sydney Airport from Auckland said he thought he had travelled to Western Australia. The airport opened on Sunday, and its first commercial flight landed that day. He told a TV interview he realised on the flight that he was not heading to Perth, but said it was not the worst thing while on holiday. Another passenger, Julie Lundmark, said she looked out of the window after landing on a Jetstar flight and had no idea where she was. There are no direct flights between Perth and the new airport.
Former Fraser Coast councillor and One Nation candidate James Hansen, 57, has been found dead in a flooded creek in Queensland. He went missing on Monday after trying to cross flooded Smothering Creek on Boompa Road, near Maryborough. Police say a report will go to the coroner while investigations continue. Mr Hansen was a dairy farmer and served on Fraser Coast Regional Council for three terms. Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour paid tribute to him as a passionate advocate for rural producers. Severe weather and rising floodwaters continue to affect parts of Queensland.
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Wollongong's Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo has grown to 67 stalls since its 2023 debut. Nearly 600 people attended the fourth expo at Novotel. Organiser Maiquilla Brown, who runs the event through her Bimbala Collective business, said many visitors were non-Indigenous allies. Exhibitors included weavers, tradespeople, a plant nursery and a dairy launching in Western Sydney. Wollongong's Lord Mayor, Tania Brown, said the council started the expo with 30 businesses and now has over 65.
Western Sydney International Airport has welcomed its first international arrival, Air New Zealand flight NZ165 from Auckland. The flight will operate three weekly return services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The airport can handle 10 million passengers a year and has a 24-hour cargo precinct. Daily non-stop flights to Singapore begin on 23 November, with services to Ho Chi Minh City and Nadi planned for 2027. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the opening a milestone that lets Western Sydney residents fly overseas without crossing the city first.
A four-bedroom Stanmore terrace that agents described as unlivable sold under the hammer for $2.52 million on Saturday, well above its $2.2 million guide. Five bidders registered and three were active during the auction. Domain recorded a preliminary Sydney clearance rate of 45 per cent from 490 reported results, with 184 auctions withdrawn. In Epping, a five-bedroom house sold for $3,419,168, while in Allambie Heights a three-bedroom house sold at its $2 million guide but below its reserve. LJ Hooker's Mathew Tiller said buyers and sellers were sitting on the fence.
Passenger flights have started at Western Sydney International Airport, a milestone the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils says is important for the region's future. The first Jetstar flight was flown by a pilot from the Gold Coast-Tweed and a first officer from Blacktown. WSROC president Brad Bunting said the airport could strengthen links with Australia and the world, attract investment and create jobs. He said continued work between governments, councils, industry and communities is needed, including on aircraft noise and environmental protection. Bunting said the region's communities hold different views on the airport.
Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek has opened to commercial passenger flights, operating around the clock. Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun says the city is positioned to benefit through jobs, investment and freight links. The airport's cargo precinct is designed to eventually handle up to 1.8 million tonnes of air freight a year. Construction has created more than 12,800 jobs, with around half going to Western Sydney workers. Mannoun says roads, rail and public transport must keep pace with development for residents to reach the new jobs.
Travellers have been confused by Sydney's new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), with some passengers landing at the wrong airport. Julie Lundmark from Sweden was surprised to discover her return flight from Melbourne landed at WSI instead of Sydney Airport. She and her friend had to find ways to get back to Sydney Airport, where their car was parked. Another passenger thought he was travelling to Perth in Western Australia but landed at WSI instead.
Passengers on the first commercial flights at Western Sydney International Airport have described the experience as seamless. Jetstar flight JQ362 left for the Gold Coast just before 11:30am on Sunday, one of three domestic services to use the runway first. Air New Zealand flight NZ165 from Auckland became the first international arrival, followed by flight NZ166 back to Auckland. Passengers praised the toll-free drive, short walk to the terminal and digital check-in. Airline and airport officials say more destinations will be added over the next year.
Western Sydney International Airport has opened, with passenger flights starting today. Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said the airport would increase competition in the Sydney Basin and help ease capacity limits at Kingsford Smith Airport. Airport chief executive Simon Hickey said more than 10,000 workers helped deliver the project, and that more than half came from Western Sydney. Hickey said the airport can be reached by the M12 motorway, bus routes and a free shuttle from St Mary's station. Air New Zealand flights are due to begin tomorrow.
Transport Minister Catherine King says the Western Sydney International Airport has begun commercial flights, with the first service going to the Gold Coast. She said the airport would ease pressure on Kingsford Smith Airport and create jobs. King said a rail line is expected within 12 to 18 months. She also spoke about the attack on Helen Haines, saying MPs should be safe at work. King defended the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, saying it delivers party election commitments and is administered under Audit Office requirements. She said she signed off on decisions only after department assessment.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has marked the opening of Western Sydney International Nancy Bird Walton Airport, with first passengers departing on the day. King said the project would create jobs and opportunities for young people in Western Sydney. Asked about the biggest challenge, she pointed to planning approvals and flight paths. Residents near Luddenham have raised concerns about aircraft noise. King said a noise amelioration plan is being assessed and work will begin shortly for eligible households.
The first passenger flight has taken off from Western Sydney International Airport, a new facility in Sydney's west. Jetstar flight JQ362 is carrying passengers to the Gold Coast, the first service linking the two cities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the airport is the first major new airport opened in Australia in more than 50 years. The airport is part of an $18 billion investment, with planned rail and road projects to follow. Airlines including Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways will operate services from the site.
Western Sydney International Airport has opened for its first commercial flights. The inaugural Jetstar service to the Gold Coast sold out in 45 minutes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the airport at a ceremony on Sunday morning. The airport is about 50 kilometres from the city centre and will operate without a curfew. It is expected to host 10 million passengers a year by the 2030s and support up to 8,500 jobs. Its first overseas flight is due to land on Monday morning.
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Labor has announced that Penrith City councillor Garion Thain will contest the Badgerys Creek seat at the March 2027 state election. It is his second attempt at the seat, after he ran against Liberal MP Tanya Davies in 2023. Davies recently announced she would not contest the election, and the Liberals have yet to name a replacement. The Liberal Party currently holds the seat with a 10.5 per cent margin. Premier Chris Minns said he hoped the seat would fall to Labor.
