Government chose slower Sunshine route over free private proposal to Tullamarine
The government rejected a private plan for a fast rail link from Melbourne Airport to the city.
Metro Trains Melbourne and financial company IOOF proposed a direct railway through Maribyrnong. The direct railway would have connected Tullamarine to Southern Cross Station in 18 minutes, with baggage check-in at the city terminal.
The fully developed plan needed no public funding. The government instead said any airport rail must go through Sunshine, a route taking 29 minutes.
Three years later, a second private group offered to fund $5 billion of the project. The government rejected this too.
The government's chosen route is now under scrutiny at a royal commission. The commission is investigating whether planning was corrupted.
Experts say cost estimates were changed to favor the Sunshine route as the preferred option. Planning submissions to the commission question whether Victoria's project planning process was handled properly.
- 18 minutes
- Maribyrnong route time
- 29 minutes
- Sunshine route time
- $5 billion
- Second private funding offer
- 127.8 hectares
- Maribyrnong Defence Site size
Why it mattersRejected private plans suggest the government chose slower, more expensive options for political reasons. It chose them instead of options that offered better speed or value.
AustraliaMelbourne passengers will have a slower and publicly-funded airport rail route than private companies offered to deliver.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
