By Tate Papworth
The highly touted airport rail link, complete with a Sunshine “super hub”, was officially signed off by the Prime Minister and Premier last week as calls grew for the Brimbank community and business to be consulted.
Sunshine Business Association president Carson Luk said it was imperative the community was involved in planning for the super hub.
“Making sure the local community and business community is part of the planning process will be critical to ensuring we are not just building a train station but taking steps in creating a world-class retail transport hub which balances place making, transport, retail and office usage into one development,” he said.
“If planned and executed to the project’s potential, the area would be strongly supported by consumers and traders could benefit.
“I am quietly excited because having the stop in Sunshine could assist in boosting jobs, business and local services, making the area a powerhouse for productivity and innovation.
“However, much planning needs to be done to ensure we maximise the potential benefits.”
The centre manager of Sunshine Marketplace, Nick Kyritsis, said the complex – Sunshine’s major shopping complex – wanted a say in how the precinct would look.
“We welcome the announcement and what it could mean for Sunshine Marketplace and the surrounding community,” Mr Kyritsis said.
“We’ll continue to work closely with all levels of government, and other key stakeholders, to understand what the proposed airport rail project will mean for the people who live, work, study and shop around Sunshine Marketplace.”
Brimbank mayor Lucinda Congreve said the council wanted a collaborative approach.
“Brimbank council is uniquely positioned to contribute to this landmark project that will impact our community for generations to come,” Cr Congreve said. “We look forward to working together with the federal and Victorian governments to ensure that this project realises its potential to deliver the best outcomes for the community – particularly jobs and education, during and after construction.
“Council is ready and able to contribute to the development of this project from the earliest possible stage to deliver the best outcomes for the west and to support real engagement with the local community, businesses and key stakeholders.”
