Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, announced a AUD 5 billion (USD 3.87 billion) financial support for Melbourne Airport rail link to city’s CBD, which is estimated at CAD 10 billion (USD 6.4 billion). “Money has to be invested and we are committing $5 billion to a half share in the project to build the railway from the city to Melbourne Airport. This has been long overdue and it requires leadership. It requires investment,” Turnbull said.
The project should also receive a CAD 5 billion financing from the Victorian Government, and construction works are estimated to start by 2025. “We want the Victorian Government to partner with us in a true 50:50 funding partnership to build and own this iconic piece of infrastructure. We also welcome the involvement of the private sector,” Turnbull commented.
Although there isn’t an established route, there are four rail link options. The Federal Government’s preferred route will link Maribyrnong, via Highpoint Shopping Centre and Victoria University and through the former Maribyrnong Defence Site.
A rail connection to Melbourne Airport will offer rail access to areas to the north and west of the airport, potentially allowing them to be opened up for housing release, will improve the connectivity to regional Victoria, and will also provide new rail stations located between Melbourne and the airport.
Share on:
