Article: Avalon keen on rail link

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Avalon keen on rail link

Avalon keen on rail link
Article from: Sunday Herald Sun

Peter Rolfe

March 15, 2009 12:00am

VICTORIA'S first airport train link could be built at Avalon under plans to turn the regional terminal into the state's second international air hub.

The Brumby Government has begun talks with Avalon executives about connecting the airport with the Melbourne to Geelong rail line.

A shuttle bus service linking the airport with an existing train station is expected by the end of this year in a short-term move to make Avalon more commuter-friendly.

But the airport, business leaders and the Opposition are pushing for a dedicated Avalon rail station that would allow commuters to catch a direct train from Melbourne or Geelong.

Airport chief Justin Giddings said the plan was "really viable".

"We're in a great location on a major freeway with easy access to Geelong and Melbourne with no tolls," Mr Giddings said.

"What we need now is the rail."

Mr Giddings said a shuttle bus service linking the airport with Lara, the nearest train station to the airport, was likely to be operating by Christmas.

"People could buy a ticket to Avalon Airport from Southern Cross Station, get on a train and change to a bus to the airport at Avalon for $10," he said.

"That's the short-term fix that we could have up and running by the end of the year, but in the long term we need a train link."

The plan would utilise existing passenger and freight rail lines about 3km from Avalon Airport.

The federal and state governments are believed to be close to signing a deal that would see the former military airport undergo a $50 million makeover to become an international terminal within two years.

A spokesman for Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the Government would investigate the viability of an Avalon rail link.

Geelong businessman Frank Costa predicted a train link would be a visionary move.

"We've got the chance to set ourselves up for many, many years ahead with an increasing population and industry," Mr Costa said.

Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder said a rail link made more sense at Avalon than Melbourne Airport.

"It doesn't have a huge amount of residential or even industrial amenity around it and there is room for expansion, it's a unique piece of infrastructure with massive potential," Mr Mulder said.

Opposition leader Ted Baillieu said the airport was "a natural fit" for a rail link.

About 600,000 passengers fly from Avalon each year, but experts say a rail link could help attract more than 1 million.