One of Brimbank council’s long-sought-after developments could finally be on the right track, with a new agreement solidifying the Melbourne Airport Rail project.
After protracted negotiations between the airport and the federal and state governments delayed the rail link project, the three parties officially committed to the project by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 20.
As part of the agreement, a steering committee led by senior officials from each organisation will be set up to oversee the project.
The MoU signals a three-way commitment to progress the project, which will provide a long-overdue rail connection to Melbourne Airport.
This latest development follows the decision to begin work at Sunshine station, which will be a crucial hub in the airport rail link network, enabling connections between the airport, Keilor East, and broader regional services.
It also comes amid Brimbank council’s ongoing ‘Rail Before Runway’ campaign, which was launched last month, urging both tiers of government to get the “west moving” by delivering on the rail link before the airport’s third runway project is completed.
“We’re hopeful this long-awaited agreement is the key to fast tracking Melbourne Airport Rail before the third runway opens in 2031,” mayor Thuy Dang said.
The rail link is expected to improve transport accessibility for Melbourne’s growing western suburbs and streamline connectivity across the broader metropolitan and regional network.
A key feature of the project includes re-configuring freight, regional, and suburban rail tracks between West Footscray and Albion to accommodate the new airport rail service.
