One of Melbourne’s longest running sagas – whether or not we’ll ever get a train line built to the airport from the city – is one step closer to coming to an end.
An airport train line would put Melbourne’s mass transit system on par with other global cities like Sydney, London, Paris, Vienna and Dhaka. But, for various reasons too tedious to get into, for decades it hasn’t happened.
Melbourne Airport has now announced it will support an above-ground station for the proposed airport rail line – having previously refusing to agree to anything other than an underground option,.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the airport recognised the need to get on with the rail link in the interests of travellers, the city, Victoria and the airport’s expansion.
“Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line. We will work with the Victorian Government to deliver their preferred above-ground station at the airport so the rail line can become reality,” Ms Argus said.
“With an estimated 45 million travellers a year predicted to be using our airport when the third runway opens, the rail link will support a massive increase in passenger numbers and billions of dollars in additional economic activity for Victoria,” she said.
“While Melbourne Airport has consistently advocated for an underground station, we are prepared to compromise on our position to ensure we have more transport options in place for the millions of new passengers that will visit Victoria and the airport precinct’s expanding workforce.
“The third runway project will allow for the growth of our existing airlines as well as attracting new carriers. There will be fewer delays with an additional runway and more flight options for travellers, putting downward pressure on air fares.”
The ball is now in the State Government’s court to recommence discussions with an initial focus on design, sequencing of construction works, and the land required for the above ground option.
However, The Age reports the Victorian Government has no plans to speed up things at this stage and will continue to prioritise the Suburban Rail Loop project.
According to the publication, the Premier Jacinta Allan says the project will continue to be delayed because of the position the Airport has taken to date. “…the consequence of the unreasonable position that has been taken for a number of years now is that this project has been delayed by four years. That’s the simple fact and consequence of what we have been trying for years to negotiate with the airport,” she said.
