Brimbank Council has applauded the announcement of an additional $2 billion in Federal Government funding for the Melbourne Airport Rail project and the transformation of Sunshine Station into a transport ‘superhub’.
The funding will supplement the previously announced $5 billion of Federal funding for the project, and the $5 billion already committed by the Victorian Government.
“We are absolutely delighted with today’s announcement from the Albanese Government. This gives us great hope for the future and clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to improve quality of life for people in the west, and in the regions,” said Brimbank Mayor, Thuy Dang (pictured).
“We remain passionate about getting the west moving and transforming Brimbank to be the thriving hub Victoria needs it to be, with the full delivery of Sunshine Station Precinct Master Plan, and Melbourne Airport Rail.
“We are committed to working with the State and Federal Government to ensure that Melbourne Airport Rail is fast tracked and running before the third runway opens.”
Council has long advocated for the delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail, the Sunshine Station Precinct Master Plan and recently launched its ‘Rail before Runway’ movement, calling on the Federal and State Governments to urgently deliver this critical infrastructure – before Melbourne’s third runway is built.
The investment, and the partnership between the Federal and State Governments will see the delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail, connecting Victoria’s regional and metropolitan train network to the airport for the first time providing a much-needed, cost-effective, time-efficient, and sustainable public transport alternative for all.
The Sunshine Precinct is listed in Infrastructure Australia’s priority list of projects as being of national significance. It is also the only location in Melbourne that the State Government has declared a Metropolitan Activity Centre, a National Employment and Innovation Centre, a Priority Precinct and a Transport Super Hub.
The Council says it is now focused on working with Government to better understand the extent of this new investment and how it will help facilitate the implementation of the Sunshine Station Precinct Master Plan.
Full implementation of the Sunshine Station Precinct Master Plan will reposition Sunshine as greater Melbourne’s next CBD – a key visitor economy hub, generating 30,000 new jobs and housing for more than 40,000 new residents in the west – addressing the nation’s housing shortage.
