The federal government’s 2012 decision to build an airport at Badgerys Creek will leave a legacy for Western Sydney that extends beyond a shiny new piece of job-generating tarmac.

One of the biggest by-products of the airport has been the Commonwealth's Western Sydney City Deal, a tri-level agreement with the NSW government and local councils, a co-ordinated approach to how these areas are planned, funded and built.

Artist's impression of the town centre of the Aerotropolis at Badgerys Creek. Credit:NSW government

A city deal is a governance model where federal, state and local governments come together to

ensure jobs are developed, investment is secured and public transport and parks are delivered.

Growth centres of this scale and potential demand this type of governance.