With Federal and State governments yet to reveal its preferences regarding development of the Melbourne Airport Rail (MAR), Brimbank Council continues to support a fast, efficient and dedicated MAR with a stop between the CBD and airport at the Sunshine Super Hub and ensuring that the MAR solution is focused on getting the best outcomes for not only the Brimbank community but also the broader western region.
As a key component of the Western Rail Plan, increased track capacity between Sunshine and the CBD to cater for faster and more frequent metro and regional trains and major investment in the Geelong and Ballarat lines including the electrification of these lines is vital.
'We believe a Melbourne Airport Rail that offers a dedicated direct express service from the CBD to the airport, via a stop at Sunshine is still the best option for travellers from the CBD as well as from regional Victoria including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and beyond,' said Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou.
'We support the call from both the City of Greater Geelong and the Wyndham City Council to ensure that there are two new electrified metropolitan rail lines through the western suburbs to Melton and Wyndham Vale, separating them from the Geelong and Ballarat lines.
'We hear that an announcement is imminent and we look forward to the Government delivering on a 'fast, efficient and dedicated' line and that the design of the MAR future proofs the delivery of improved rail services to Sunbury, Melton and Wyndham Vale and regional Victoria, as committed by the State Government in its Western Rail Plan.
'A key learning from a Council study trip last year to meet with keynote urban and transport renewal authorities in NSW is that it's vital for projects like the Airport Rail to be fast, efficient and future-proofed. This will ensure uptake from travellers, maximise economic opportunities around stations, and meet the needs of a growing population.
'Our vision is that by 2050, Sunshine will be recognised as the capital of Melbourne's West.
'The new Sunshine Super Hub – to be built as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail project and Western Rail Plan is an exciting project with enormous potential to deliver jobs, education and positive, transformative change to Brimbank and beyond.
'This landmark project will reinvent Brimbank as a thriving economic centre — unlocking jobs now and for future generations, and re-establishing Brimbank as an employment epicentre for Melbourne and Victoria's West,' Cr Papafotiou said.
