A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been reached between the Federal Government, the Victorian Government and Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) over the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL).
Under the terms of the MoU, the three parties are committed to working together to commence the delivery of MARL and establish a steering committee for the project.
It follows an agreement to proceed with an above-ground station and start work on rebuilding Sunshine Station. These were included in the independent mediator’s recommendations.
“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,” Federal transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King said.
“MARL will enhance the resilience and reliability of the transport network, better connecting Melbourne’s growing population to where they live, work and play.”
Sunshine Station’s rebuild will provide key services to Melbourne Airport in Tullarmarine and Keilor East. The works will “untangle” six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion to cater for freight, metro trains and 70 per cent of the V/Line network.
“Airport rail will increase the transport options for our passengers and staff, and we are pleased to work with the Australian and Victorian governments to progress this project for Melbourne,” Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said.
“This Memorandum of Understanding formalises the compromise we made in July last year to help airport rail become a reality.”
The MoU announcement follows the Federal Government’s announcement around a $2 billion additional investment in the project and the Victorian Government’s financial commitment to works at Sunshine Station.
“Melbourne Airport Rail Link is an important rail project, which will pave the way for faster and safer journeys for passengers across the state for decades to come,” Victorian transport infrastructure minister Gabrielle Williams said.
“We are getting on with delivering the first stage of Melbourne Airport Rail, reconfiguring freight, regional and Surburban tracks between West Footscray and Albion to make space for this important new rail link.”
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