Airport Rail Link Closer To Takeoff As Joint Agreement Signed
25 March 2019
Melbourne Airport Rail Link
(MARL) is
set to become a reality, with the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments
formally signing off on the project.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews
announced the signing of the Heads of Agreement today, which sets out
the strategic objectives, governance arrangements and information
sharing processes for the $10 billion joint commitment.
Mr Morrison said the people of
Melbourne and
Victoria had been waiting far too long for the
rail link to become a
reality.
“For decades Victorians have talked about a train line to the
airport.
We are delivering it. In last year’s Budget we made a $5 billion
investment in the
Melbourne Airport
Rail Link, it was the biggest infrastructure commitment in the
Budget.
“Melbourne is truly a global city that deserves world class
infrastructure. The Rail Link is part of our plan to bust congestion
across the city and get people home faster and safer.
“I’d like to thank the Premier and Minister Tudge who have worked
constructively with me to land this agreement and bring the project
closer to fruition.”
A project team will be established to drive the development of a full
Business Case for the project, which will not only connect
Melbourne
Airport to the rail network for the first time – but also integrate it
with the
Metro Tunnel and the future
Suburban Rail Loop, and pave the
way for fast-rail to the regions.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the
Victorian Government is not
wasting a minute leading the planning work for an Airport Rail Link that
delivers for all Victorians.
“The Melbourne Airport Rail Link has been talked about for far too long
– we’re doing the detailed planning and development work to make it a
reality,” Mr Andrews said.
“By choosing the Sunshine route, we are ensuring all Victorians can
benefit from the rail link, including people living in Geelong, Ballarat
and Bendigo. As we complete the business case, we’re also doing the work
needed to deliver fast rail to the regions.”
Melbourne Airport is a key part of Victoria and Australia’s economic
growth. In 2016-17, it handled more than 35 million passenger movements
and by 2038, it is expected to almost double to more than 67 million, as
Victoria’s population continues to grow and demand increases.
Melbourne Airport Rail Link will alleviate congestion on the main road
connection to the airport, the Tullamarine Freeway, and unlock capacity
for the growing population in Melbourne’s north-west.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said
following the successful widening of the Tullamarine Freeway, the
airport link would bust congestion for generations to come.
“This is a critical project for Melbourne. It will make it easier for
residents and make our city more attractive to visitors,” Mr Tudge said.
“When complete, someone in Pakenham, Frankston or Ringwood will be able
to get onto the train, and be at the airport in the time it would have
taken to drive, but without having to worry about parking.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said this
is part of the Victorian Government’s unprecedented pipeline of major
transport projects.
“We’re building the Metro Tunnel, removing dangerous level crossings and
getting on with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.”
“This is not just about getting from the airport to the city – it’s
about better connecting our suburbs and regions, so people have better
services wherever they live.”
Planning and development of the MARL Business Case is already well
underway. Rail Projects Victoria has engaged expert technical and
commercial advisers for the project, and ecological, traffic and
geotechnical investigations have begun.
Early market engagement on the MARL attracted submissions from more than
100 local and global organisations. Further market sounding will be
undertaken to assess equity partners, private sector involvement,
financing arrangements and other matters.
A reference group including community, industry and
local government
representatives will be established to provide guidance and feedback to
the project team as the Business Case is developed.
The State and Federal Governments have committed up to $5 billion each
to deliver MARL. The total cost of the project is estimated to be in the
range of $8-13 billion, with construction to take up to nine years and
due to commence in 2022.
The Business Case will be delivered by 2020 and will assess station and
procurement options, value capture and creation opportunities, and
economic analysis of the recommended solution.
--ENDS--
Source: Victorian Government - www.premier.vic.gov.au
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