By Ewen McRae
The state government has begun the search for businesses, investors and constructors to help deliver the long-awaited airport rail link and the expanded transport hub at Sunshine station.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Transport Minister Jacinta Allen visited Sunshine Station last week to open the registration of interest process (ROI) – the beginning of market engagement for providers to help deliver the mammoth project.
Labor has pledged $5 billion towards the project if re-elected, with plans to begin construction in 2022.
Ms Allen said the ROI would help government assess which organisations have the experience and capabilities to help bring the project to fruition and gauge the interest of private sector investors and operators.
“The search is on to find the best providers to develop a world-class airport rail link – that won’t only connect the CBD and the airport, but deliver massive benefits to regional Victoria,” Ms Allen said.
The rail link will also form the north-western section of the Suburban Rail Loop, an underground rail network forming a circle around Melbourne’s suburbs.
Brimbank deputy mayor Daniel Allen welcomed the funding commitment to Sunshine station and the rail link, while also pushing for greater transport options across all services for residents.
“We know building the Melbourne Airport rail link, with a stop in Sunshine at a new Sunshine super hub, connecting regional and metro trains, will strengthen Brimbank and the entire west of Melbourne,” Cr Allen said. “We have an important role to play in ensuring Brimbank is a connected city, which is critical for improving liveability for the community and driving economic development.
“We’re working hard to deliver an integrated network that considers all transport modes to meet current and future growth in Brimbank and surrounding areas.
“Brimbank council would welcome any opportunity to contribute to planning for future improvement to the public transport network as they relate to Brimbank.”
