Gerald Lynch
The war is over with Melbourne Airport dropping its push for an underground station for the airport rail, a decision that could see trains on the tracks by 2030.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said on Monday the airport recognised the need to get on with the rail link in the interests of travellers, the city, Victoria and the airport’s third runway expansion.
“Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line,” she said. “We will work with the Victorian government to deliver their preferred above-ground station at the airport so the rail line can become reality.
“With an estimated 45 million travellers a year predicted to be using our airport when the third runway opens, the rail link will support a massive increase in passenger numbers and billions of dollars in additional economic activity for Victoria.
“While Melbourne Airport has consistently advocated for an underground station, we are prepared to compromise on our position to ensure we have more transport options in place for the millions of new
passengers that will visit Victoria and the airport precinct’s expanding workforce.
Melbourne Airport will look to begin the recommencement of discussions with state and federal government over the airport station with a focus on its design, the sequencing of construction works and redressing for the land required for the above ground option..
Ms Argus was also excited for further expansion of Melbourne Airport through the construction of the third runway.
“The third runway project will allow for the growth of our existing airlines as well as attracting new carriers,” she said. “There will be fewer delays with an additional runway and more flight options for travellers, putting downward pressure on air fares.”
Melbourne Airport will spend about $3 billion building an additional north-south runway by 2042.
It will take more than four years to construct the third runway and employ more than 500 people during construction.
The development plan for the third runway is currently waiting on the federal government for approval.
