Melbourne’s long-awaited airport rail link has finally gained momentum as state and federal governments, alongside Melbourne Airport, reached a collaborative agreement to advance the project. This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, spurred by the federal government’s commitment of additional funding for upgrades at Sunshine Station. This funding aims to expedite the necessary improvements for the rail connection serving Melbourne Airport.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has branded the airport rail project as a “done deal,” with the federal government pledging AU$7 billion towards its realisation. Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams emphasised that preparations for work at Sunshine Station will mark a significant revitalisation of the project after years of delays.
A steering committee comprising senior officials from the involved parties will facilitate cooperation to finalise the construction process, ensuring that the project moves forward efficiently. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, indicated that a working group will also be formed to address any outstanding issues under the guidance of an independent chair.
Melbourne Airport’s CEO, Lorie Argus, acknowledged that discussions surrounding the rail link had persisted for far too long, highlighting the project’s urgency. While there remains uncertainty about how the final costs will be allocated, the promise of improved travel times for passengers is clear. Once completed, the rail link is expected to transport passengers from the Central Business District (CBD) to the airport in approximately half an hour via Sunshine Station.
This ambitious infrastructure project has faced significant delays, with the timeline pushed back by at least four years. The airport previously overcame a station design deadlock by agreeing to construct its terminal above ground. However, there is currently no specific timeframe for the construction’s overall duration, and while the entire rail link is anticipated to be operational by 2029, the first phase concerning Sunshine Station is not projected to finish until 2030.
This significant advancement in Melbourne’s transport infrastructure reflects a concerted effort by various levels of government and industry stakeholders to improve connectivity for travellers and address the city’s transportation needs.