The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has made a submission to the Victorian Government’s consultation on the Sunshine Superhub Planning Approval, backing the Airport Rail Link as a vital project for Melbourne’s transport future, while calling for greater consideration of its impact on rail freight.
The proposed Sunshine Superhub is a central component of the broader Airport Rail Link and will deliver significant upgrades to more than 6km of track between West Footscray and Albion. These works include:
- Two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse at Sunshine Station
- Three new rail bridges within the Tottenham rail corridor
- New and upgraded tracks and signalling technology
- Realigned passenger and freight lines
These changes aim to untangle one of the most complex sections of Victoria’s rail network and enable seamless airport train services through Sunshine Station. It will also prepare the station for future rail network upgrades in Melbourne’s west which will enable more train services for the growing Melton and Wyndham Vale communities.
While the ARA supports the overall objectives of the project, the submission highlighted concerns regarding its potential impact on rail freight. Under the current proposal, freight trains could be forced to detour an additional 47km to reach the Port of Melbourne, significantly increasing costs for rail operators and their customers, reducing the attractiveness of rail freight, negatively impacting network reliability, and making rail freight less competitive. This could result in a mode shift to road transport.
The ARA recommended a solution that enables both passenger and freight services to operate efficiently through the corridor be delivered to support the long-term success of Victoria’s transport network.
For more information, please contact ARA Policy Manager – Rail Freight Roz Chivers.