AIRPORT RAIL LINK
Why the TWU is Campaigning for an Airport Rail Link
Enhancing Connectivity and Economic Growth
The TWU is actively campaigning to establish an airport rail link in Victoria to support over 18,000 aviation workers and thousands of transport workers in the neighbouring business precedent. This critical infrastructure project holds numerous benefits for the community, the economy and workers.
Here’s why the TWU is advocating for this essential development:
Here’s why the TWU is advocating for this essential development:
Benefits for Workers from the Airport Rail Link
Job Creation and Employment Opportunities
- Construction Phase: The construction of the airport rail link will create numerous job opportunities across various sectors, including drivers in construction and passenger transport who will be moving workers to neighbouring jobs around the airport.
- Operational Jobs: Once operational, the rail link will require a dedicated workforce including Bus Drivers to move workers to neighbouring business precedent.
Improved Working Conditions
- Better Infrastructure: The establishment of a rail link will lead to improved infrastructure at and around the airport, enhancing the working environment for aviation workers. Better facilities and infrastructure support safer and more efficient work conditions.
- Reduced Commuting Stress: A reliable rail link to the airport will significantly reduce commuting times and stress for workers who currently rely on road transport. This can lead to improved work-life balance and overall well-being.
Enhanced Job Security
- Sustainable Employment: The rail link project promises to create stable and sustainable jobs. Workers involved in the construction and operation of the rail link can expect greater job security due to the long-term nature of the project and the essential services it provides.
- Industry Growth: The rail link is expected to boost the overall transportation and tourism industries, leading to increased demand for services. This growth will, in turn, support job security for workers in these sectors.
Supporting Diverse Workforce Needs
- Inclusion and Accessibility: The airport rail link project can promote diversity and inclusion by providing equal employment opportunities for workers from various backgrounds, including those without access to a car.
- Supporting Regional Employment: The rail link will improve accessibility for workers from regional areas, allowing them to participate more effectively in the job market.
The airport rail link represents a significant opportunity to improve the lives and careers of workers in Victoria. By supporting the airport rail link, we are investing in a future that values and protects transport workers in aviation, construction and passenger transport.
Timeline of the Airport Rail Link Project
2018
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- March 2018: The Victorian Government announces a $10 billion commitment to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link as part of its infrastructure plan.
- September 2018: The federal government commits $5 billion towards the project, matching the Victorian Government's contribution.
- March 2018: The Victorian Government announces a $10 billion commitment to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link as part of its infrastructure plan.
2019
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- July 2019: The Victorian and federal governments announce the preferred route for the rail link, confirming it will travel via Sunshine, providing connections to the regional rail network.
2020
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- February 2020: Detailed planning and community consultation processes commence, gathering feedback on the proposed route and station locations.
- November 2020: The Victorian Government releases the Sunshine Station Masterplan, outlining the future development of Sunshine as a key transport hub.
- February 2020: Detailed planning and community consultation processes commence, gathering feedback on the proposed route and station locations.
2021
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- March 2021: The Victorian and federal governments announce additional funding for the project, ensuring comprehensive planning and development.
- June 2021: Early works contract awarded, including utility relocations and site preparations
- March 2021: The Victorian and federal governments announce additional funding for the project, ensuring comprehensive planning and development.
2022
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- January 2022: Early construction works begin.
- April 2022: Dispute escalates as Melbourne Airport demands significant changes to the proposed alignment, causing delays in the design and engineering phase.
- August 2022: Mediation efforts intensify; government and Melbourne Airport engage in high-level talks to resolve disputes over alignment, station location and funding responsibilities for necessary infrastructure changes.
- January 2022: Early construction works begin.
2023
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- February 2023: The project reaches a major milestone with the commencement of major construction works.
- May 2023: Construction would be paused, awaiting the results of a major Commonwealth review of the country’s infrastructure pipeline.
- February 2023: The project reaches a major milestone with the commencement of major construction works.
2024
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- April 2024: Federal Government appoint mediator to resolve stand-off between the Victorian government and Melbourne Airport over whether the airport railway station should be elevated or underground.
- May 2024: Victorian Government announce delay to project.
- May 2024: The TWU launch public campaign to get the project back on track gathering multi-union support calling Victoria a global embarrassment.
- June 2024: Melbourne Airport Authority cave to public pressure, publicly announcing they support an above-ground station.
- April 2024: Federal Government appoint mediator to resolve stand-off between the Victorian government and Melbourne Airport over whether the airport railway station should be elevated or underground.
2025
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- March 2025: A Memorandum of Understanding reached between the Federal Government, Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport to deliver the project.