Western Metropolitan MP Liberal MP Bernie Finn is calling for the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link to be postponed until proper community consultation has been conducted.
Mr Finn is the latest person to slam the concept plans for the rail link, which include a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River and elevated twin tracks between Sunshine and the Albion Junction.
There is no mention of the Sunshine Super Transport Hub in the plans nor upgrades to the Albion train station, which have both previously been highlighted to be part of the rail link development.
Brimbank council, community and business groups, and residents have been vocal about their concerns over the plan.
Mr Finn has called on Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan to address residents’ concerns and postpone the project until the residents of Albion and Sunshine are consulted.
“The Melbourne Airport Rail Link is a much needed and a long overdue addition to Melbourne’s infrastructure and no one can argue with that or seek to,” he said.
“Locals in Sunshine and Albion have expressed concerns about the fly over which would take this fly over 50 metres above Albion station and Ballarat Road.
“They are angry they have not been consulted about this and extremely disappointed that the option ditches the promised upgrade of the Albion railway station.
“I’m strongly of the view that my constituents have an excellent case and that they be heard.”
Mr Finn said the state government continues to ignore local residents. .
“I want them to just take a breath and talk to the locals and see what they are thinking,” he said.
“Make a decision based on a whole lot of inputs. Give local residents some input.
“They feel like the government is just trying to steam roll them. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this before and local people are sick to death of being shafted.”
A community meeting was due to be held on Monday for residents to talk about their concerns and the information at hand.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the meeting had to move online.
