Tara Murray
The immediate future of the Melbourne Airport Rail is unclear with Premier Daniel Andrews refusing to say whether work on the project would be paused.
Reports emerged on Saturday, that the project along with the Geelong Fast Rail would be put on hold due to budget concerns.
The state and federal governments have both committed $5 billion to the project, with $700 allocated to the project in last year’s state budget for early works.
As part of the rail link, there will be upgrades to the Sunshine train station precinct to make it a transport superhub, upgrades to Albion station, the construction of Keilor East station and the construction of a station at Melbourne Airport.
Mr Andrews was questioned on Sunday about the reports and whether the project would be postponed.
“The budget will be delivered at the end of May and the federal budget in the intervening period and we will have much more to say on different infrastructure projects then,” he said.
“It’s clearly listed in the budget last year and the year before, I’ve got no announcements to make about airport rail to make today. If and when I have anything to say about airport rail or any other infrastructure project, then of course I’ll so that.“
A Victorian government spokesperson said that any decisions about federal government funding of infrastructure projects in Victoria is a matter for them.
“Just as all Victorians are facing cost of living challenges with rising interest rates and inflation, the Victorian budget will also take into account current economic conditions,” the spokesperson said
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King said that the Australian government is continually working with the states and territories on their priorities and that decisions will be made in line with the usual budget processes.
Despite concerns about the project, work is continuing at SRL Airport sites.
John Holland, CPB, KBR and AECOM have been selected as the preferred contractor to deliver the Sunshine Systems Alliance works package to transform Sunshine station, rebuild Albion station, and build twin tracks between Sunshine and the Albion-Jacana corridor, including the elevated rail bridge.
Moonee Valley mayor Pierce Tyson, said that cancelling this project would drive a knife through the heart of the local community and is calling for a meeting with the state government.
Brimbank deputy mayor Ranka Rasic said they understand from media reports that the delivery of the Melbourne Airport Rail project could be pushed back.
“Council is committed to working with the government to ensure this transformational project for Melbourne’s west is delivered over the next decade.”
The delaying of the Geelong Fast Rail could potentially affect Brimbank commuters, with rail part of the larger Western Rail Plan, which includes the electrification of train lines out to Melbourne.
