Tara Murray
Plans for a rail flyover between Sunshine and Albion won’t hinder development in the area, according to Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan.
The two-kilometre flyover has been proposed as part of the plans for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
The proposal has been met with criticism from Brimbank council and residents, who are calling for it to be scrapped.
Greens MP Sam Hibbins raised the community’s concerns during a recent state government Budget Estimates Inquiry, questioning Ms Allan about the flyover.
He asked Ms Allan why a flyover was being considered over alternative options.
Ms Allan said this was the best option for the local environment.
She said suggestions the flyover would stop further development in the area were incorrect.
“Your allegation that this will preclude future development is simply wrong,” she said.
“There was another alternative… Being promoted by the private sector that did include a tunnel, and when we assessed that proposal, it was determined it was not going to provide the benefits that were being claimed.”
Ms Allan said Brimbank would be “at the heart” of the airport rail project.
“Putting the airport rail link through Sunshine is going to provide a huge catalyst for the Sunshine area,” she said.
“We will see huge development come into Sunshine and this broader Sunshine precinct which Albion sits in and around.
“This is a community that comes with a history of economic disadvantage and we’ve got a wonderful opportunity to catalyst the future of Sunshine and the surrounding area.
“We’re really excited to work with the Brimbank council in realising that opportunity.”
