City of Moonee Valley Mayor, Pierce Tyson, has welcomed the findings of a Federal Government-appointed mediator, who has recommended an above-ground station for Melbourne Airport.
The mediator, Neil Scales, who was appointed in April, also deemed the long-awaited $10-billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link “viable and necessary”.
“Melbourne has been waiting over half a century for the missing transport link,” Mayor Tyson said.
“For the people of Moonee Valley, which has one of the highest proportions of transport workers in Victoria, the train line will provide a critical connection to the Airport and CBD.”
Mayor Tyson said the report reaffirmed “what everyone and their dog knows to be true – Airport Rail has to happen, we need to stop wasting time on a luxury Rolls-Royce underground station.”
“It’s time for Melbourne Airport to step up and get this project done rather than protect their $160-million a year parking revenue.”
The Mayor thanked Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King, on her announcement of the mediator’s findings on Thursday afternoon, which recommended against Commonwealth and State consideration of the underground option.
The report made three main recommendations, including that the Commonwealth and Victorian Government proceed with “no regrets” work at Sunshine Station to transform it into a major transport hub and capitalise on the early works already completed for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
“The Commonwealth will commence discussions with the Victorian Government on the proposal to upgrade capacity at Sunshine Station, with funding to be formally considered once costs and scope are finalised,” said Minister King.
“The report recommended that refreshed modelling work be undertaken on the timeline for capacity of Tullamarine Freeway. I have instructed my Department to scope this work.”
The report recommended against further Commonwealth and Ctate consideration of an underground option at this time. Should Melbourne Airport operator APAM wish to progress with the option of an underground station, it recommended that they produce a suitable and comprehensive business case, so that key stakeholders can examine the proposal in detail, said Minister King.
“We encourage the parties to consider the report recommendations and to work constructively together to determine next steps to progress this important project,” she said.
“It’s time for Melbourne Airport to put up or shut up – no underground station, no compensation. Let’s just get this done,” said Mayor Tyson.
“In Moonee Valley it’s about getting our schoolkids, pensioners and commuters to the city, but also connecting 18,000 transport workers to their workplace, because they have no viable option,” he said.
