The RACV has thrown its support behind Brimbank council’s call for a rail link between Melbourne Airport and Sunshine.
As reported in the Weekly,
the council pushed for a connecting train through the Albion East
airport rail alignment as part of its submission to the latest Melbourne
Airport master plan.
The RACV, releasing its transport agenda for state and federal
governments last week, nominated a high-speed rail link, with its own
track to Melbourne Airport and limited stops as a key way to reduce
congestion, road trauma and improve community health.
“RACV is of the view the rail link to Melbourne airport is
essential,” public transport and mobility manager Thanuja Gunatillake
said.
“In our submission to the state government’s metropolitan planning
strategy, RACV was supportive of the establishment of a well-connected
activities centre in Melbourne’s west.
“Should Sunshine be nominated as this area as part of the new
planning strategy, the Albion East airport rail alignment, connecting to
regional and metropolitan train services at Sunshine, would be
consistent with the needs of an activities centre.”
The RACV says a “polycentric city” — effectively a mini-CBD with a
concentration of jobs, education and services — should be located in
Melbourne’s west.
“Given the population growth in Melbourne’s west, RACV supports designation of a centre in this region,” Ms Gunatillake said.
“It is critical that an activity centre be supported by a good
transport network as we have seen in many parts of outer Melbourne.”
The RACV urged the state government to make a “solid commitment”
to an airport rail link, with detailed planning and a proposed
timeframe.
