Brimbank City Council has welcomed today’s announcement by the Federal and State governments that stage 2 works of Melbourne Airport Rail will start within weeks, including a new 7.4km rail line from Albion to the edge of the airport precinct via a new Keilor East Station that will be built by 2031.
The Liberal Party has also pledged to deliver a new Keilor East train station by 2031.
This is a step in the right direction, which recognises the transport infrastructure our growing communities need. However, while today’s announcement provides welcome certainty for the stage 2 works and Keilor East Station, Council says questions remain around the delivery timeline for the Sunshine Superhub and the final stage of Melbourne Airport Rail connecting passengers to Melbourne Airport. The full delivery of MAR remains critical to the future growth and prosperity of Melbourne’s west.
The redevelopment of Sunshine Station and implementation of the Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan are central to the success of Melbourne Airport Rail. Council’s ongoing Rail Before Runway campaign, has been calling for the Melbourne Airport Rail link to be fully delivered before Melbourne Airport’s third runway becomes operational in 2031.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Virginia Tachos said:
“We welcome today’s announcements by the Federal and State governments that stage 2 works for the Melbourne Airport Rail will commence soon, and the Keilor East Station will be built by 2031. We also welcome the Coalition’s commitment to deliver Keilor East Station by 2031, demonstrating broad support for this important project.
“However, our key concern remains securing certainty around the timing and full delivery of the Sunshine Superhub and the Melbourne Airport Rail project, as the timing for the MAR all the way to Melbourne Airport is still unresolved.
“Our message remains the same: We need ‘Rail Before Runway’. Today’s announcements are welcome, but the job is not finished until there is certainty around when passengers will be able to catch a train all the way to Melbourne Airport.
“With Melbourne Airport’s third runway due to be operational by 2031, it is critical that the rail connection and supporting infrastructure are delivered in time to meet growing demand and avoid further congestion on already stretched transport corridors.
“We need a definitive timeline for the full delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail, including the connection to the airport, so our community can have confidence the vision for the west will be realised.
“Melbourne Airport Rail has the potential to transform the west, improving access to jobs, education and economic opportunities, while providing a much-needed public transport connection to Melbourne Airport.
“The Sunshine Superhub is the catalyst for transforming Sunshine into the CBD of Melbourne’s west and unlocking jobs, housing, investment and economic growth across the region.
“The west has waited long enough for these projects. We welcome today’s commitments and look forward to working with government to ensure the full benefits of Melbourne Airport Rail are delivered for our communities.”
