- Published:
- Wednesday 18 September 2024
The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have kicked off works to rebuild Sunshine Station – creating capacity for a rail connection to Melbourne airport, and more frequent and reliable services in Melbourne’s growing west.
Both governments have each committed $5 billion to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, and upgrading Sunshine Station is the critical first part of the project.
As part of the commitment to deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, a $63.5 million investment will begin plans to rebuild Sunshine Station, which will also unlock capacity for future upgrades in the west.
The new Sunshine Station will include additional platforms, while track and bridge works and signalling improvements will untangle this complex junction which services both freight, and more than 70 per cent of V/Line’s network – including the Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat lines.
The major upgrade will increase capacity for additional services from Wyndham Vale and allow for future electrified trains to run from Melton. It will also enable six trains per hour to the airport.
The development works will be delivered alongside the Victorian Government’s $143 million Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan upgrade which includes a new bus interchange and pedestrian connections.
Rebuilding Sunshine Station to accommodate for services to the airport, as well as future upgrades of the network including the Melton electrification, will save time, costs and a huge amount of disruption for locals, businesses and commuters.
Along with Sunshine Station, the Victorian Government is making other critical investments in Melbourne’s west including the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade – boosting capacity by 50 per cent on the Melton Line by 2028 – while also removing four more level crossings and constructing a brand-new Melton Station.
Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“We’re working alongside the Victorian Government as we take this crucial first step to deliver Melbourne Airport Rail.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson:
“Rebuilding Sunshine Station will help to unlock capacity for future upgrades for Melbourne’s growing west.”
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten:
“The development of Sunshine Station is the next step in securing the airport rail link that will be great for the north west of Melbourne, and all Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino:
“Melbourne’s west is growing at a rapid rate and the new Sunshine Station will help to cater for this growth.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman:
“Whether it’s road upgrades, the West Gate Tunnel, Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals or a new station for Sunshine – only Labor is delivering the world-class infrastructure people in the west deserve.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly:
“Rebuilding Sunshine Station will create capacity for more frequent and reliable services in Melbourne’s surging west.”