Tara Murray
Albion residents were out in force on Sunday, rallying against a proposed rail flyover which would pass close to the suburb’s historic John Darling Mill buildings.
Community groups including Albion & Ardeer Community Club (AACC), organised a rally in response to residents’ concerns about the concept plans for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
The plans include a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River and elevated twin tracks between Sunshine and Albion Junction.
The elevated tracks will be next to the mill site, which is slated for conversion into a transport-oriented development centred around a 100-room Mercure Hotel.
There is no mention of previously promised upgrades to the Albion area or the Sunshine Super Transport Hub in the plans.
AACC member Neil Head labelled the plans “disastrous” for the area’s future.
More than 150 people attended to the rally, including all three Brimbank council ward councillors.
“We were looking forward to seeing how [the rail link] would improve our neighbourhood.
“The fly over right over Albion station is high in the sky and will have an adverse impact on the John Darling Mill buildings.
“They are a beautiful icon in the history of Brimbank and they’re looking to beautify the area.
“It’s one of the main attractions for the west and the rail folk are putting an air rail right in front.
“The airport rail folk have to be careful in the design as it will be there for a century.”
Mr Head said the lack of detail around upgrades to Albion station and the surrounding area in the rail link plans was something they were also concerned about.
He said many people describe Albion as the worst station in Melbourne and that the station and surrounding area should be upgraded at the same time as the rail link.
“It’s in shocking condition and we were hoping the Darling Mill redevelopment and the airport rail link would see that change.”
The group also fears that the elevated tracks could limit opportunities to upgrade the Ballarat Road and Anderson Street intersection in the future.
Mr Head said they would prefer for the new rail line to go underground.
Mr Head and the ACCC said the area was significantly historic and that needed to be taken into account.
At the recent council meeting, Mr Head on behalf of the ACCC asked the council to give consideration to initiating a UNESCO World Heritage listing for Albion, including the Darling Mill area.
At the rally, residents passed 10 motions which they will submit to the state and federal governments.
They motions include that they support the airport rail link, but the Albion flyover is a no go.
