The electrification of the railway line from Melton to Deer Park is vital if the Melbourne Airport rail link is to go ahead, an advocacy group claims.
As part of its 30-year draft blueprint, Infrastructure Victoria has recommended the state government deliver a rail line to Melbourne airport within 15 to 30 years. But it says further planning is necessary to integrate the line into the existing network, “given projected high growth on the Sunbury and Melton lines”.
Leadwest chief executive Craig Rowley said while there are no plans to connect Melton directly to the airport, electrifying the line to Deer Park would strengthen the connection.
“So then, if there was an airport rail link from Sunshine, using the Albion freight corridor, then that would strengthen the connection between Melton and the airport by rail,” Mr Rowley said.
He said a better connection to the airport is vital considering the population boom in the outer west, coupled with a dearth of jobs.
Infrastructure Victoria has also recommended the electrification of the Ballarat railway line from Melton to Deer Park in the next 10 to 15 years.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the metro tunnel would create room for more services in and out of the city. It would allow for the expansion of the train network, she said.
Other opportunities to improve access to employment near the airport should also be investigated, Infrastructure Victoria claims.
