An announcement for fast-tracked redevelopment of Sunshine station, which will “pave the way” for electrification of the Melton rail line, has been welcomed by Melton council and LeadWest.
Announced by Premier Jacinta Allan as part of a public transport blitz, the state government will include almost $5 billion in funding in this year’s budget towards public transport, with $4 billion of that going towards the Sunshine station redevelopment.
Working with the federal government, the government is building a new transport superhub in Sunshine, which will enable an airport rail and is the first step for electrification to Melton.
The redeveloped Sunshine station will be able to support more than 40 metropolitan and regional trains per hour, as well as trains from the Melton and Melbourne Airport lines in future travelling into the Metro Tunnel.
The announced $4 billion to fast-track the station redevelopment brings forward $2 billion of the government’s investment in the airport rail to start the works as soon as possible.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi said council welcomes “any investment in public transport that will help get our residents moving”.
“With funding confirmed, we look forward to further details on these projects including delivery timeframes,” Cr Abboushi said.
“Our growing community needs efficient, frequent public transport to get them where they need to be sooner.
“With an additional 45,000 commuters projected over the next 30 years, electrification of the Melton rail line remains a priority.”
Advocacy alliance LeadWest also welcomed the investment in transforming the rail network, and LeadWest chair and Melton councillor Phillip Zada said the organisation has been calling for such an investment.
“With Melbourne’s western suburbs on track to match Adelaide’s population, these infrastructure investments are not just welcome – they are essential. This level of commitment helps our transport network to keep pace with our booming communities,” Cr Zada said.
He said two additional trains per hour in the mornings and afternoons will increase the number of trains on the Werribee line in peak periods from six to eight trains per hour, cutting congestion and saving time.
The remainder of the budget funding will help with switching on the Metro Tunnel and delivering turn-up-and-go services.
