MEDIA RELEASE: Calling on the state government to continue works for Airport West/Keilor East Station
Moonee Valley calls on Victorian Government to continue works on Airport West/Keilor East Train Station
Moonee Valley City Council is shocked by media reports today regarding the possible suspension of the Airport Rail Link which would mean the promised train station for Airport West/Keilor East would be cancelled.
Moonee Valley City Council Mayor Pierce Tyson, said that cancelling this project would drive a knife through the heart of our local community.
Council has advocated for a train station for local residents which the Victorian Government committed to last year, just prior to the state election.
Mayor Tyson said government must keep the project moving and not slam on the brakes.
“We have worked closely alongside local Members of Parliament Bill Shorten and Ben Carroll, who is also Minister for Public Transport, and strongly welcomed their commitment to this project.”
Mayor Tyson said a minor delay to the build would be understandable given the current economic climate but since work had commenced, including tunnel boring works and public acquisition notification, it would be untenable to cancel the project. Extensive community engagement has already been undertaken.
Currently residents in Airport West/Keilor East have a 45-minute tram ride to the city as their only public transport option. These suburbs are also home to a large number of workers at Melbourne Airport who currently have no ability to catch a train to work – despite a station being flagged for the past 40 plus years.
Council is considering calling an urgent meeting to reaffirm our position next week.
“The City of Moonee Valley is urgently calling on the Victorian and Federal Governments to clarify the status of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and train station for our community.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact –
Media Contact
Laura Saarinen
Acting Coordinator Corporate Communications and Marketing, Moonee Valley City Council
P: +61 447 059 643 E: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au