Gerald Lynch
Melbourne Airport is again pushing for an underground train connection, as its turbulent relationship with the state government continues.
The airport has distributed a million copies of its latest newsletter to households in Melbourne’s north-west, with a heavy emphasis on its commitment to an underground rail loop.
“Melbourne Airport welcomes confirmation of the federal government’s commitment to build the long-awaited airport rail link,” the newsletter said which has been seen by Star Weekly.
“Melbourne Airport supports the rail link because it will provide passengers with more choice and improved access from across Melbourne and particularly the growing western suburbs.
“Melbourne Airport continues to advocate for an underground station to ensure future-proofing of the rail line and terminal precinct.
“If the rail line is ever to be extended beyond the airport, it must be built below ground, as building over the top of the runways is impossible.
“The government’s decision to pause the project last year allowed Melbourne Airport to develop an underground station concept that would be cost competitive with the state’s elevated option.
“We look forward to working with the state government to develop this proposal to ensure investment in infrastructure that supports Victorians for decades to come.”
A spokesperson from the state government said delays caused by the airport are becoming increasingly frustrating.
“We’ve been in negotiations with the airport over this project for several years,” the spokesperson said. “As we have previously said, these negotiations have been frustrating and have caused delays.
“We have asked the Commonwealth – who own the land the airport sits on – to step in to resolve the unreasonable demands of its tenant.
“As we’ve made clear previously, an underground design would involve greater disruption, take almost two years longer and cost more than a billion dollars more, on top of the unreasonable demands for compensation Australian Pacific Airport Melbourne (APAM) is pursuing.”
It is understood that Melbourne Airport is not contributing any funds to the project.
