Prime minister pledges $2 billion for Melbourne's airport rail project
The federal government has promised $2 billion to Melbourne's long awaited airport rail link in an effort to get the stalled project going again.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement this morning at a luncheon in the Victorian capital.
"This vital project in all of its various incarnations has been delayed for far too long," Albanese said.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement this morning at a luncheon in the Victorian capital. 9News
"Putting it off hasn't made it any cheaper or any easier.
"I think everyone here would agree that airport rail is essential for a great global city like Melbourne."
The project was paused in last year's state budget.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan welcomed the announcement but would not confirm a start date.
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Allan confirmed works would start on the Sunshine station upgrade, which has to be done before tracks can go to the airport.
"We now have to go through a process of resetting the timeline for delivery of the overall project," Allan said.
An estimated completion date for Melbourne's airport rail Link has not been confirmed. 9News
"You can't deliver airport rail without delivering the Sunshine part of the project.
"The Sunshine works are a central component of the airport rail delivery."
The Sunshine station works are expected to be finalised in five years.
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