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The Labor Party has promised to link Macarthur to Western Sydney Airport by rail if they are elected to government. Macarthur MP Dr Michael Freelander believes a link connecting Leppington train station to the yet-to-be-built Badgerys Creek airport is vital for local residents. He also believes Macarthur should be connected to St Marys by rail. “A rail connection from day one is critical if we are to make the airport a catalyst for job creation for Western Sydney – and will boost economic growth by up to $3.6 billion annually,” Dr Freelander said. “That’s why Labor will provide $400 million to work with the NSW Government to get these works underway as soon as possible, contingent on a positive assessment from Infrastructure Australia.” The Labor party first pledged to connect Macarthur to the airport via rail in April last year. Dr Freelander does not believe the current state and federal governments – both Liberal – have served the region well when it comes to public transport. “The Liberal government has neglected our region in terms of vital public transport, through failing to adopt policy that was announced by Labor quite some time ago,” he said. “If developed properly, the new airport will be a game changer for western Sydney, especially in terms of job creation. “However, without adequate infrastructure, it is likely that south-west Sydney will miss out on the opportunities it provides.” Dr Freelander previously spoke to the Advertiser about his desire to see rail service the airport from day one. Labor’s promised rail plans would extend the south-west rail link from Leppington (via Bringelly) to the new airport and build a new outer orbital train line from Macarthur station to St Marys, also servicing the airport. “Overall, the project will create more than 43,000 direct jobs and support up to 98,000 jobs indirectly in Western Sydney,” Dr Freelander said.​

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