Melbourne Airport today welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment of Commonwealth funding for an airport rail link. 

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive, Lyell Strambi said the twin challenges of growth and congestion required transformative infrastructure investment.

“A global city like Melbourne deserves world class infrastructure, including transport links. With a growing population and increasing numbers of international visitors, it’s vital that our city’s transport infrastructure continues to support the rapid growth in the north and west.

“An airport rail link could be part of an expanded transport network that would change the face of Melbourne. 

“As a contemporary airport connection service SkyBus does a fantastic job right now, and will continue to be an important option for travellers into the future, but it’s important to remember that those buses use the same roads as all other road users. 

“In a few short months we will bring forward our proposal for the third runway, which will set us up to welcome almost 70 million passengers per year by 2038. 

“At the same time we are investing in our terminal infrastructure and our internal road network to ensure the traveller experience is in line with Melbourne’s reputation as a destination of choice for international visitors and the world’s most liveable city.

“A rail link can help us to realise the full potential of Melbourne Airport, injecting enormous value into the Victorian and national economies, creating and supporting jobs for the local community and putting the world within reach for millions of Victorian travellers.”

Melbourne Airport is an important contributor to the Victorian economy, adding $17.6 billion in 2015–16, which is almost seven per cent of the total gross state product. The airport precinct is an anchor employer that directly supports more than 20,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. The economic activity of businesses operating within the airport precinct contributes $3.7 billion to the Victorian economy annually.

“An airport rail link is an enormous undertaking which has been talked about for decades. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the detailed work to come,” said Mr Strambi.


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