MEDIA RELEASE 27 FEBRAURY 2025
LeadWest has warmly welcomed yesterday’s announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of $2 billion to build new platforms and realign tracks at Sunshine Station, a key part of the Melbourne Airport rail link proposal and $300 million in federal funding to boost rail services in the Melton growth corridor including electrification of the Melton line.
Over recent months transport and infrastructure projects have been central to LeadWest’s advocacy efforts including the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail and the development of the Sunshine Precinct and the electrification of the Melton and Wyndham lines.
On 11 and 12 February a delegation of LeadWest representatives visited Parliament House Canberra to meet with Federal Government MPs to discuss unlocking investment to provide Melbourne’s West with transport connectivity, greater economic development, employment opportunities, urban renewal and improved wellbeing. The purpose of the visit was to advocate for commitments ahead of the upcoming Federal Election. The recent announcement by the Prime Minister is a huge win and is a gamechanger for Melbourne’s west.
LeadWest Chair Councillor Dr Phillip Zada said, “I was particularly grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Hon Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to advocate for the development of the ‘Sunshine Precinct’ and the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail as a key priority for Melbourne’s West. It seems our voice was heard.”
LeadWest was also grateful to meet with Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Tim Watts, Senator Steph Hodgins-May from the Australian Greens, Member for Fraser Dr Daniel Mulino, Member for Hawke Mr Sam Rae and Member for Wills, Mr Peter Khalil and senior advisers from the offices of the Opposition Leader Mr Peter Dutton as well as the office of the Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
LeadWest alliance member Brimbank City Council is to be congratulated on its advocacy campaign Rail Before Runway campaign, calling for the delivery of the airport rail before a third runway opens at Tullamarine in 2031.
Government investment in transport infrastructure projects in Melbourne’s west is vital to breaking the cycle of challenges such as high unemployment, traffic congestion and poor public transport options. It’s time to get things moving.
Quotes attributable to Councillor Dr Phillip Zada, Chair, LeadWest
“Melbourne’s West seems to have been neglected for a long time. The announcement of $2 billion for Sunshine station bringing Melbourne Airport Rail a step closer, and the boost to Melton rail services is a much-welcomed win.”
“LeadWest has long called on the State and Federal Governments to fulfil their joint commitment to construct the Melbourne Airport rail via the Sunshine Precinct. Investment in the Sunshine Precinct will unlock one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal opportunities attracting business, jobs, tourist and creative industries to Melbourne’s West.”
“Now is the time to deliver on State and Federal promises.”
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