By Tara Murray
Brimbank council and LeadWest have both welcomed the state government’s commitment to fast tracking Sunshine station superhub as part of a public transport blitz.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced on Monday that almost $5 billion will be in this year’s budget to fund the blitz.
In partnership with the federal government, the state government is building a new transport superhub in Sunshine as the key to delivering Airport Rail and the first step for electrification to Melton.
To fast track the project, the budget allocates $4 billion towards the Sunshine station redevelopment – bringing forward $2 billion of the government’s investment in Airport Rail – to kickstart works as soon as possible.
In February, Brimbank council had welcomed the federal government’s announcement of an additional $2 billion in federal funding for the project.
The council has been advocating for appropriate timelines for both the development of Sunshine station and the implementation of the Sunshine station masterplan, campaigning for the Melbourne Airport Rail to be delivered before the third runway opens in 2031.
“These projects are urgently needed to support the economic growth, housing needs and development of Melbourne’s western region,” the council said.
“The redevelopment of Sunshine station, into an equivalent of the Southern Cross in the west, along with the complete delivery of the Sunshine station masterplan is critical to the success of the Melbourne Airport Rail project.
“The council is continuing to call for the funding needed to ensure the full implementation of the station masterplan to reposition Sunshine as greater Melbourne’s next CBD – a key visitor economy hub, generating 30,000 new jobs and housing for more than 40,000 new residents in the west – addressing the nation’s housing shortage.”
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said they are delighted that the state government has included the funding in the budget.
“This is wonderful news for the west, and Brimbank in particular. We look forward to seeing shovels in the ground soon, and the transformation of Sunshine Station and surrounds.
“Brimbank council will continue to work closely with state and federal governments to see these opportunities realised for the west, bringing jobs and economic growth to our communities.”
Leadwest chair councillor Phillip Zada said the announcement of investment in public transport rail in Melbourne’s west is more than welcome.
“LeadWest has been calling for an investment by the state government to transform the rail network in Melbourne’s west and today’s announcement is a win for people living in the west.”
