Rail before Runway – a community movement launched today by Brimbank City Council – calls on the State and Federal Governments to urgently deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail before Melbourne’s third runway is built.
Despite being one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, Melbourne’s west has been short-changed in government infrastructure funding. To keep up with its rapid population growth, critical infrastructure projects such as Melbourne Airport Rail and the development of the Sunshine Precinct must be delivered now.
The Melbourne Airport Rail will connect Melbourne Airport to Victoria’s regional and metropolitan train network for the first time and will provide a cost-effective, time-efficient, and sustainable public transport alternative for all. Developing the Sunshine Precinct, which includes the full implementation of the Sunshine Station Masterplan and the rebuild of Albion Station, will leverage off this investment and stimulate the economy in the west through tourism, education, housing, shopping, and business growth.
Melbourne Airport’s third runway was given the green light in 2024 and is expected to open in 2031, with passenger numbers set to rise exponentially to 83 million per year, by 2046.
With the Tullamarine Freeway already congested, this spells disaster for Melbourne’s traffic, with commuters from the west doomed to spend hours in gridlock unless we get the Melbourne Airport Rail back on track now.
In a survey of 1,000 Melbournian’s found that 72 per cent want to see an airport rail link and better bus services in the west before more money is spent on less critical projects.
People of the west are tired of being left behind, with government investment continually funnelled into projects in more affluent areas that are already privileged with extensive public transport and road infrastructure.
To show governments it’s serious about getting the west moving, Brimbank City Council has launched its Rail before Runway movement – one of its Transforming Brimbank priorities.
Mayor Thuy Dang and Brimbank Councillors are appealing to community members across the west to join the movement by writing to their State and Federal political leaders and calling for immediate action and investment in the west.
To make your voice heard, go to railbeforerunway.com.au. Melbourne’s west deserves better.
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang
“We’re calling on the Federal and State Governments to build the long-promised Melbourne Airport Rail before the third runway.
“Fast-track the Melbourne Airport Rail and Sunshine Precinct now and build the rail before the runway; it’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity! Melbourne’s west deserves better.”
“Despite many government promises over many years, there’s been next to no progress – no start dates, no certainty, leaving Melbourne’s west waiting.”