By Ewen McRae
Sunshine will become the capital of the west when the airport rail link is completed – that’s the prediction of Brimbank council.
The federal government last week endorsed plans for an airport rail link running through Sunshine, backing both the state government and opposition in making the Sunshine route the preferred option for the long-awaited project.
Federal government support for the Sunshine route could see the project begin as soon as 2020.
Brimbank mayor Lucinda Congreve said the vote of support for Sunshine was very satisfying.
“The fact that the federal and state governments, as well as state opposition, agree that the Sunshine route is the best option for all Victorians demonstrates commendable bipartisanship,” Cr Congreve said.
“The Melbourne Airport Rail Link, with a stop at Sunshine, will deliver critical infrastructure with significant benefits not just for Melbourne’s west, but for residents and businesses across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“Council has advocated for the Sunshine route because of its tremendous potential to boost economic development across the west and maximise existing rail connections with metro Melbourne and the whole of western Victoria.
“This option also has the potential to deliver enormous benefits to our local community, businesses and stakeholders – with a Sunshine Super Hub cementing Sunshine’s position as the CBD of the west.”
The huge infrastructure project was kick-started by a $5 billion commitment from the federal government in its May budget, with the state government also pledging an initial $5 billion towards the project.
The project is expected to cost between $8 billion and $13 billion.
Cr Congreve said the council would work with state and federal stakeholders, as well as the local community and businesses, to ensure the new route was a success.
“We need consultation and engagement with our local residents, businesses and other stakeholders, along with considered planning, to ensure the hub is connected to the west through an integrated road and public transport network,” she said.
