Prime Minister fast-tracks Melbourne Airport rail

Future Victoria is the Victorian Chamber and Herald Sun’s yearly event bringing together prominent leaders and industry experts to chart a path forward for a prosperous and sustainable Victoria.

This year’s event included the Prime Minister as keynote speaker and two expert panels discussing connectivity, innovation, entertainment and sports.

With a Federal Election looming, Prime Minister Albanese said his Federal Government is committing $7 billion to build Melbourne Airport Rail.

The funding includes an existing $5 billion to build a rail line to Tullamarine and other infrastructure improvements. A further $2 billion will further upgrade Sunshine Station, with the Victorian Government to contribute funding to make Sunshine Station the hub for regional rail services connecting to the airport.

A further announcement of $1.2 billion road upgrades will include works to Old Sydney Road, the intersection of McLeod Road and Station Street in Carrum and Evans Road between Duff Street and Central Parkway in Cranbourne West.

“Let me be clear, we are locking in this investment now. It’s in our budget because we want to lock in a start date,” the Prime Minister said.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver these missing links for Victorian infrastructure. These will be transformative projects for the southeast, the north and the west.”

As a former infrastructure minister, Prime Minister Albanese said he was an “infrastructure nerd” because of the tangible, enduring nature of the projects build and improved.

“Building and upgrading roads and rail, ports, airports, and broadband creates jobs that boost productivity and drives economic growth. It brings new life to our cities, connects our regions and suburbs.

“It makes it easier for Australian businesses and partners to get their great products to market here and around the world, and it strengthens communities.”

Prime Minister Albanese also recognised the impact of the Victorian population and businesses on the Australian economy.

“One of the great advantages that we have in Australia, being located where we are in the fastest growing region of the world in history, is our human relationships.

“Our best asset is our people, and our multiculturalism is very much a part of that. Victoria is central to that agenda, which is about seizing the opportunities which are there.

“And my government is very much focused on building Australia’s future and Victoria is central to this in every way. This state represents over 20 per cent of Australia’s economy and more than a quarter of Australia’s value-added manufacturing, more than 700,000 small businesses.

“In so many fields from medical research … to renewable energy technology, Victoria is a global leader not just a national one.

“Victorian businesses, universities, TAFES, research centres, cultural and sporting institutions, are ambassadors for Australia. You build and strengthen our connections to the region and to the world.”

Future Victoria also featured engaging panels with some of Victoria’s eminent industry leaders.

The first panel – connectivity, innovation and community – featured Professor Laura-Anne Bull, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Swinburne University, Rory Costelloe, Founder and Co-Executive Director of Villawood Properties, and Michelle Jablko, Chief Executive Officer of Transurban.

The second panel, on sports and entertainment, included Jason Sourasis, Executive Chairman of Western Melbourne Group, Mike Volkert, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Melbourne and Natalie O’Brien, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra reiterated that the Victorian Chamber will continue advocating for business.

“Thank you to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – we know your time is precious especially ahead of a Federal Election, it speaks volumes about the importance of Victoria’s vote.

“Victorians are weathering a cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business storm. They are engaged and keen to hear what will be done about taxation, regulation, crime, housing affordability, skills shortages, energy, our stretched health and education systems. Future Victoria is an integral part of examining these issues.”