The Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) is one step closer following a commitment by the Federal and Victorian governments and Australia Pacific Airports Corporation.
All three parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to commence delivery of the rail link.
It builds on the Federal Government’s recent $2 billion funding announcement for the project and follows years of delays.
A Steering Committee, led by senior officials from each organisation, will now be established to decide the priorities and manage the project.
It was announced during the 2024 budget that the Airport Rail Link would be pushed back by at least four years to 2032, following disagreements on where to build the airport station.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be up to $13 billion.
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Lorie Argus, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Airport said the airport rail will increase the transport options for passengers and staff.
“We are pleased to work with the federal and Victorian governments to progress this project for Melbourne,” said Argus.
“This Memorandum of Understanding formalises the compromise we made in July last year to help airport rail become a reality.”
Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government said the government wants to keep the project moving.
“MARL will enhance the resilience and reliability of the transport network, better connecting Melbourne’s growing population to where they live, work and play.”
For more information, visit: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/
