Outgoing Avalon Airport boss advocates for rail connection in final interview

AVALON Airport chief executive Tony Brun, in his final interview before announcing his departure last Wednesday, reiterated that a rail connection to Avalon Airport could be achieved for just one per cent of the cost of a train to Tullamarine.

His comments follow Victoria’s Treasurer Tim Pallas’ frustration over four years of stalled negotiations with Melbourne Airport.

Brun expressed optimism about the growing support for Avalon’s rail connection.

“It’s a no-brainer economically. It’s a no-brainer from a transport planning model. And to be honest, it’s a no-brainer politically because there are so many electorates out in the west of Melbourne right down through to Geelong that benefit from it and it’ll be seen as a popular choice at one per cent of the price of the alternate,” he said.

The rail link to Melbourne Airport was excluded from last week’s state budget, delaying the project by at least four years.

 

Despite both state and federal governments committing $5 billion each to the $15 billion project, progress has been hampered by disagreements.

The primary contention is Melbourne Airport’s preference for an underground station, while the state government favours a cheaper above-ground alternative. Many believe the airport lacks incentive due to the substantial revenue it generates from parking.

Treasurer Tim Pallas expressed his growing concern, hinting at the potential of Avalon Airport. “Either they [Melbourne Airport] sort out this problem and make it a priority … or the government is going to have to look at better provisioning for airport passenger transport than what is available from Melbourne Airport,” he said.

Some commentators argue that using Avalon as leverage is disingenuous, but Brun sees it as a genuine and viable option. He said the proximity of Pallas’ electorate to Avalon gave him a deep understanding of the benefits it could bring to the region.

Brun believes that Melbourne Airport will remain the primary hub but stressed the need for competition.

“Like most global cities, competition in the airport space drives greater opportunities for airlines and increases competition,” he said. He noted that Avalon is well-positioned to serve this role.

The proposed train to Avalon, estimated to cost just one per cent of the Tullamarine project, could stimulate this competition.

“We need a second airport. Avalon’s there ready to play that role with a big catchment,” he said. “We are happy to co-contribute to deliver it. That’s not something the other airport has done.”

Brun cited the example of London Luton Airport, which adopted a staged, affordable approach to its rail connection, ultimately leading to significant passenger growth.

He suggested that Melbourne Airport could benefit from a similar strategy: “Don’t gold-plate it, just get the train there. Then, as demand grows, build something nicer.”

The concept of a train to Melbourne Airport has been discussed for 60 years, but Brun pointed out that many Australian infrastructure projects become overly complex and unaffordable.

He urged a focus on simple, cost-effective solutions that address the immediate need for public transport to the airport.

Tony Brun has resigned from his role to take on a new chief executive role in Saudi Arabia.