Brimbank Council is seeking assurances from the State Government that a range of rail infrastructure projects, including the final design of the much anticipated Melbourne Airport Rail MAR, will ensure positive outcomes for Brimbank and the western region.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said Council wants reassurance that the final design of the MAR will not compromise the future implementation of the Western Rail Plan or the long term access of Brimbank and wider western region residents to other needed rail services on the Watergardens and Sunbury line.
‘We are asking for an assurance that the final design of the MAR will have long-term benefits for our residents and the wider region, and that future proofing is built in to ensure that additional rail services are able to meet demand into the future.
‘With the population in Melbourne’s west growing rapidly, it’s extremely important to make sure the region’s transport planning is integrated and future proofed, and takes care of community needs now and into the future.
‘As we’ve said before, an integrated transport plan for Melbourne’s west to support the implementation of the Western Rail Plan is an absolute must. This will be a crucial part of the future development of transport services in the west and provide a clear understanding of the timeframes around the planning, funding and construction of major city shaping transport projects,’ Cr Papafotiou said.
Brimbank Council is strongly in favour of a fast efficient and dedicated MAR service via Sunshine to maximise the economic and social opportunities for our community, and the west.
‘We’re seeking assurance from the State Government that the design of the MAR project will not compromise the future implementation of the Western Rail Plan, including future proofing the delivery of additional rail services to Sunbury, Melton and Wyndham Vale, and fast trains to Geelong and Ballarat.
‘Most importantly, we’d like an assurance from the State Government that the final design of the MAR will not compromise the long term access of Brimbank and the wider western region residents to timely access to rail corridor and rail expansion projects on the Watergardens /Sunbury, Wyndham Vale and Melton lines. This is crucial, to accommodate the booming population growth in the area.
‘We’re also requesting the ultimate design of the MAR demonstrates that stations at Keilor Park and Sunshine North are future proofed for inclusion in the Suburban Rail Loop,’ Cr Papafotiou said.
Council is also calling for an equitable provision of future public transport services on the suburban rail loop, from the Sunshine to Melbourne Airport Rail corridor.
Council will again write to the Minister of Transport Infrastructure the Hon. Jacinta Allan to seek assurances on the matter. This also supports Council’s ‘‘ 2020 Agenda.
Council will also write to Moonee Valley City Council outlining its in-principle support for additional stations along the Melbourne Airport to Sunshine rail corridor as part of the Suburban Rail Loop subject to the additional stations not being detrimental to Council’s desire for a fast, efficient and dedicated MAR service.
