On 17 May 2018 the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, granted an airport lease over the Western Sydney Airport site to WSA Co Limited (WSA Co).

As the government-owned company tasked with building the airport, WSA Co has taken over management of the airport site from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. This is an important step towards the construction of the Western Sydney Airport, which will drive economic and social growth in Western Sydney via a thriving airport precinct which will stimulate local jobs, attract new businesses and bring new education opportunities.

The Government is working closely with WSA Co to ensure a smooth transition as we assume the role of the Airport Lessee Company (ALC). As the ALC, WSA Co will become subject to a wide range of obligations under the Airports Act 1996 and associated regulations. This includes the Airports (Building Control) Regulations 1996 and the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997.

The Commonwealth Government will maintain responsibility for several specific activities in relation to the Western Sydney Airport, including the airspace design and biodiversity offsets. They will also continue to facilitate the Forum on Western Sydney Airport (FOWSA).

The grant of the airport lease marks the next stage in the delivery of the Western Sydney Airport, which will play an important part in the wider economic expansion of Western Sydney.