Australian Government to invest US$3.9bn in Melbourne Airport rail link

Melbourne Airport has issued a statement welcoming the Australian Government’s commitment to funding a new airport rail link. The proposed rail system will help combat the twin challenges of growth and congestion currently faced by the airport.

On Thursday (April 12), Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that the government would be willing to commit AU$5bn (US$3.9bn) to the project, with the expectation that the Victorian Government matches the initial outlay. Construction is expected to begin within the next few years once the project has been finalized.

Lyell Strambi, chief executive, Melbourne Airport, said, “A global city like Melbourne deserves world-class infrastructure, including transport links.

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

“A rail link can help us to realize 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 travelers.”

Melbourne Airport is an important contributor to the Victorian economy, adding AU$17.6bn (US$13.7bn) in 2015/16, which is almost 7% of the total gross state product. The airport precinct is also an anchor employer that directly supports more than 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs.