Hume council is calling on the state and federal governments to reconsider plans for an above ground train station at Melbourne Airport.
Council will write to federal Transport Minister Catherine King, federal Maribyrnong MP Bill Shorten, state Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan and state Sunbury MP Josh Bull to lobby for a below ground station.
As reported by Star Weekly, an airport rail business case developed by the state and federal governments recommends the station be above ground, however, Melbourne Airport’s preference is a below ground station.
Despite supporting the motion to write to state and federal MPs, some councillors felt it’s the responsibility of Melbourne Airport to fund part of the project and that these developments wouldn’t have much impact on the residents of Hume.
Councillor Jack Medcraft raised the motion urging the government to spend additional time and money on the station.
He said building it underground would ensure the longevity and convenience of the site.
Cr Medcraft suggested the state government continue with plans to build an above ground railway line to Sharps Road, but the federal government should fund the underground station to create a “proper facility that will benefit the whole country.”
“It’s going to put Melbourne on the map as the international capital of Australia,” Cr Medcraft said.
Cr Naim Kurt said the underground station is the “optimal choice,” but despite it being a government project he wants to see part of the project privately funded by Melbourne Airport.
“I just worry about us advocating for this tonight whether this will further delay the opportunity for Melbourne to have a railway line and access to the airport,” he said.
As reported by Star Weekly, Melbourne Airport ground transport chief Jai McDermott questioned the plans for an above ground station.
He said an underground station would provide “a superior passenger experience, safeguards for future connectivity and is appropriate for Victoria’s international gateway”.
