Big Ted: Opposition leader Ted Baillieu announces the Avalon rail plan.
Erin Pearson
A RAILWAY station would carry passengers from Avalon Airport to Geelong and Melbourne under a $50 million coalition pre-election promise, leader Ted Baillieu has announced.
Mr Baillieu said the money would be a “first-term investment” on a $250 million network at the airport.
“This rail link will allow passengers to travel from Melbourne, Geelong or even Warrnambool by train direct to Avalon Airport and will support the coalition’s plan for Avalon as Victoria’s second international airport,” he said.
“A new international terminal at Avalon will see up to two million passengers per annum through the airport and this new rail link will provide improved access to the airport from across the state, allowing Melbourne-based travellers to skip the notorious traffic delays across the West Gate Bridge.
Mr Baillieu said the initial $50 million would go toward design and planning, land acquisitions and preliminary construction works of the rail line.
“The development of Avalon Airport creates a huge opportunity for growth that will stretch far beyond Geelong to the Bellarine Peninsula…and throughout Western Victoria.”
Mr Baillieu said the link to Avalon would also have dual-gauge concrete sleepers so freight trains could reach the airport.
Elaine Carbines, of regional councils alliance body G21, said the station would “set Avalon apart”.
“This will really assist Avalon and its future growth, which means future growth for the region,” she said.
“Congratulations to the opposition for this fantastic announcement. I call on the Labor Government to match this commitment.”
Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula accused Mr Baillieu of giving Victorians “false hope”.
“The opposition’s policy won’t even get off the ground,” Mr Pakula said.
