By Prealene Khera
Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton’s plan to scrap funding for the Sunshine station upgrade will be a “major setback” if implemented, according to a local advocacy group.
On Tuesday, April 1, federal opposition leader Peter Dutton and opposition infrastructure spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie announced that a Coalition government would redirect $2 billion the federal government committed for upgrades at Sunshine station and $2.2 billion committed for the Suburban Rail Loop to other rail and road projects.
These include duplicating Donnybrook Road and planning for the extension of the Upfield train line in the north and extending the Frankston train line to Langwarrin and Baxter in the south-east.
Mr Dutton and Ms McKenzie said the Coalition would also provide an extra $1.5 billion for Melbourne Airport Rail, with the state Liberals to provide $1.5 billion if elected in 2026.
“Delivering Melbourne Airport Rail Link is our first priority. Upgrades at Sunshine Station providing connectivity for regional and suburban passengers to the airport, as outlined in the Melbourne Airport Rail Business Case, will also be delivered within the scope of the additional $3 billion joint commitment with the Victorian opposition,“ the statement said.
Greater Sunshine Community Alliance member Shefton Parker said the opposition’s announcement to cut funding makes Sunshine station’s future uncertain.
“Plans by the opposition to take this funding away would be a major setback,” he said.
“Without committed investment, businesses and developers will hesitate to invest, delaying the progress that the region urgently needs.
“The west has waited long enough for the infrastructure and support it deserves. We need to back this funding — not take it away.”
The federal government boost was set to upgrade Sunshine station into a rail hub following the addition of new platforms and tracks.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said the Sunshine station project went hand-in-hand with airport rail.
“The redevelopment of Sunshine station and complete delivery of the Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan is critical to the success of Melbourne airport rail — we simply cannot have one without the other,” she said.
Leadwest chair Phillip Zada believes the coalition hasn’t considered the impact the funding-cut would have.
“It will just have a detrimental effect,” he said.
“If they take away these funds, it risks the electrification [to Melton], airport rail and the freight lines.
“Once the upgrade is done [Sunshine station] will be bigger than Southern Cross.“
Premier Jacinta Allan said cutting into the Sunshine station project means it won’t deliver the connections that are needed to get trains through to the airport.
“And it sends a very loud message to the Melton community that you can forget about electrification under a Peter Dutton government because of his cuts to the Sunshine station project,” she said.
