
Prepare for lift off: airport city scores $800m pledge
An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure.
The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June.
Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city.
Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday.
Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure.
The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney.
The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive.
"The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday.
"Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later.
"We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services."
Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow.
"We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said.
The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year.
The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts.
NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December.
An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure.
The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June.
Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city.
Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday.
Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure.
The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney.
The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive.
"The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday.
"Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later.
"We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services."
Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow.
"We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said.
The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year.
The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts.
NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December.
An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure.
The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June.
Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city.
Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday.
Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure.
The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney.
The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive.
"The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday.
"Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later.
"We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services."
Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow.
"We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said.
The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year.
The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts.
NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December.
An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure.
The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June.
Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city.
Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday.
Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure.
The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney.
The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive.
"The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday.
"Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later.
"We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services."
Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow.
"We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said.
The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year.
The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts.
NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December.

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2 hours ago
- Sky News AU
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Ooops, an error has occurred! Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we'll help resolve the issue or try again later. The Streaming Subscription provides Australians access to top rating opinion shows, award-winning political coverage, live breaking news, sport and weather, expert business insights and groundbreaking documentaries across four dedicated news channels for $5 a month. This includes: Sky News – Australia's news channel featuring award-winning journalists, insights from the biggest names in opinion, ground-breaking special investigations, and live breaking news, sport and weather. Available live and on-demand. Sky News Extra – A dedicated 24/7 channel featuring live press conferences and Parliament broadcasts, with unfiltered access to Australian democracy in action. Available live. Sky News Weather – Australia's only 24/7 weather channel bringing you the latest weather forecasts from the country's largest team of meteorologists. Available live. FOX SPORTS News – Australia's only 24/7 sports news channel, first and live in breaking sports news. Available live. Stream Sky News channel shows in full live and on-demand on or the Sky News Australia app and cast to your compatible TV. For the best streaming experience, stream your favourite Sky News shows on your compatible Smart TV. For a step-by-step guide on how to sign in on your Smart TV or to find out if your Smart TV is compatible, visit our help page. There is no lock-in contract when you subscribe to a Streaming Subscription. Renewals occur automatically unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions . The Streaming Subscription is not available outside of Australia. If overseas (excluding New Zealand), you can access your favourite Sky News Australia programs by signing up to Australia Channel. Sky News Australia's international 24/7 news streaming service. Find out more here. You can continue to access digital-only content, video highlights, and listen to the latest podcasts without a subscription on our website and app. The Streaming Subscription gives subscribers live stream access to unrivalled news and opinion content across four dedicated news channels 24/7.


The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Divorcees, widows 'slipping through the cracks' in housing market
With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.

The Age
4 hours ago
- The Age
Embattled Monash IVF moves to hobble defecting executive's move to rival
Monash IVF is seeking to hobble the defection of one of its top executives as it reels from a series of scandals, investigations and a plunging share price. The embattled fertility giant has launched action in the Supreme Court of Victoria in a bid to limit the work its departing chief operations officer, Dr Hamish Hamilton, is allowed to undertake in a senior role at its biggest rival, Virtus Health. The action comes as Monash was on Monday forced to respond to another please-explain order from the Australian stock exchange over claims it delayed informing the sharemarket of an embryo mix-up – the second such error and resulting notice issued to them this year. After decade in senior roles at Monash IVF, including the last five as its chief operating officer, Hamilton last week began duties as Virtus' chief operating officer and head of international business. His departure and the related court battle add to the public troubles for Monash IVF – including a $56 million class action involving more than 700 patients, two separate cases of women being implanted with a wrong embryo and the resignation of its chief executive officer – which have prompted an overhaul of the way Australia's reproductive technology sector is regulated. As investigations continue into how its patients were affected by its recent errors, Monash IVF on Monday focussed its attention on the court proceedings where it sought an injunction to prevent Hamilton undertaking aspects of his new role. Appearing for Monash IVF, Richard Dalton, KC, asked the court to impose limits on Hamilton's employment at Virtus until March 3, 2026, stating he had been the 'author' of Monash IVF's Vision 2026 strategic business plan and was well placed to act on commercial secrets. Monash IVF sought orders barring Hamilton from overseeing 'non-core IVF activities' such as day hospitals, ultrasounds and donor banks within Australia, and instead requested he be limited to overseeing Virtus' international donor operations. 'Dr Hamilton, as COO, was instrumental in that strategy and he knows what Monash IVF's plans are,' Dalton said.