Melbourne Airport Rail has taken a big step closer to becoming a reality today with a major agreement reached between the Federal Government, the Victorian Government and the airport.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed, with all three parties agreeing to work together “in good faith” to finalise the path to construction and deliver the new rail link.
A Steering Committee will be established to progress the project, led by senior officials from each body.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said many Victorians have spent a lifetime hearing of a rail link to the airport.
“Today we are telling them that we will work together in good faith to get it done,” she said.
“We want to keep this project moving, which is why we brought in an independent mediator, why we’ve been acting on his recommendations and why we’re investing to make it happen.
“MARL will enhance the resilience and reliability of the transport network, better connecting Melbourne’s growing population to where they live, work and play.”
Last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed an extra $2bn to the airport rail link.
The money will go towards creating a new rail “Superhub” at Sunshine, which is essential to enable services to the airport and Keilor East.
Sunshine will get two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse, and will be able to support more than 40 train services per hour, creating capacity for additional services for the growing west and to the airport.
The Prime Minister also promised a $300 million cash injection to boost rail services in the Melton growth corridor.
The line to Melton will eventually be electrified as part of the airport rail project.
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