Deal struck for Melbourne airport rail; single interchange for Swan Hill commuters

SWAN Hill residents will be able to travel to Melbourne Airport via a single interchange after the Victorian and federal governments struck an agreement on Saturday for the airport rail link.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined Premier Daniel Andrews to announce the route for the project, which will connect Victoria’s regional and metropolitan rail networks to the airport for the first time.

From 2029, Victorians will be able to catch a train directly from the CBD to the airport.

“The airport link is a nationally significant project and Victorians have been waiting a long time for it to become a reality. With construction to start in 2022, the agreement will support up to 8,000 jobs during construction,” Mr Morrison said.

“When complete, the link will slash travel times, bust congestion and be a major boost to the economy.”

Airport trains will run through the Metro Tunnel, meaning families can get to the airport without changing trains, and the majority of Victorians can get to the airport with just one interchange from their closest station.

The Prime Minister said it also meant tourists visiting Victoria would be able to get from the airport to regional Victoria in a “hassle-free way”.

Mr Andrews said today’s announcement was a historic day for all of Victoria.

“This project has been talked about for a long time, its key to our recovery and this design means it will benefit all Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.

“As we continue our recovery, we need a long-term plan. We need a pipeline of jobs for Victorians looking for work now, and for those who will need jobs in the future. We said we’d deliver this project, and we’re keeping our promise.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this vital piece of infrastructure would transform travel to and from Melbourne Airport.

“The aviation industry is so important to Australia’s economy and by investing in this rail link, we’re making it even easier for Victorians to travel to and from Melbourne Airport,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This investment is an important part of the economic road back – it will be a job-creator for Victorians and a huge boost to so many local businesses across the construction industry.”

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said that airport rail via Sunshine meant the majority of Victorians could access the airport by rail, as quickly as possible.

“This will give Victorians the fastest, most direct trip to the airport through the Metro Tunnel which will deliver more trains, more often.”

Melbourne’s west will also have direct airport access via a single interchange at Sunshine Station, or Footscray Station for Werribee and Williamstown line passengers.

Passengers on all city loop trains will be able to connect to airport trains at Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.

Passengers from the regional centres of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo will travel to the airport via a single interchange at Sunshine, while passengers from Gippsland will be connected via a single interchange at a choice of locations along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

The Victorian and Australian governments have committed $5 billion each in funding.

Construction will begin in 2022, with a target completion date for Melbourne Airport Rail of 2029 – subject to the business case and relevant Victorian and Federal planning, environmental and other government approvals.