Tara Murray and Hannah Hammond
The Melbourne Airport Rail project won’t be completed by 2029 according to deputy premier and Transport Minister Jacinta Allan.
Days after reports about the immediate future of the project, Ms Allan said on ABC Radio on Monday that “challenging” negotiations with Melbourne Airport as a contributing factor to the delay.
“It has been challenging to negotiate with the airport about how the project will be delivered on the land that they lease from the federal government to run the airport,” Ms Allan told ABC Radio.
“It’s been slower than I would have liked.”
Ms Allan could not confirm the expected timeline for when the rail link will be completed.
In the state government plans, the station at the Melbourne Airport, while the airport said at the time a decision had not been made on whether the station would be above or below ground.
A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said the airport remains a strong supporter of airport rail.
“Melbourne Airport has been working constructively with Rail Projects Victoria to progress the project and achieve a rail link that is fit for Victoria’s international gateway,” they said.
“We note that the airport rail station needs to work for all people who come to the precinct, not just those who will come by train.
“Melbourne Airport is subject to planning requirements as set out in the federal Airports Act (1996) and is working through these with Rail Projects Victoria.
“The timing of this project is a decision for government, and we await further clarity.”
The state and federal governments both committed $5 billion to the project, with close to $700 million allocated in last year’s state budget for early works.
As reported by Star Weekly, both the state and federal governments said future funding decisions would be announced in the upcoming budgets.
The Geelong Fast Rail is also anticipated to be put on hold.
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.”
