![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/Avalon-Portraits-00_97293.jpg\")
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Despite both state and federal governments committing $5 billion each to the $15 billion project, progress has been hampered by disagreements.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2026 or the government is going to have to look at better provisioning for airport passenger transport than what is available\u00a0from Melbourne Airport,” he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Brun believes that Melbourne Airport will remain the primary hub but stressed the need for competition.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The proposed train to Avalon, estimated to cost just one per cent of the Tullamarine project, could stimulate this competition.<\/p>\n
“We need a second airport. Avalon’s there ready to play that role with a\u00a0big catchment,” he said. “We are happy to co-contribute to deliver it. That’s not something the other airport has done.”<\/p>\n
Brun cited the example of London Luton Airport, which adopted a staged, affordable approach to its rail connection, ultimately leading to significant passenger growth.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He urged a focus on simple, cost-effective solutions that address the immediate need for public transport to the airport.<\/p>\n
Tony Brun has resigned from his role to take on a new chief executive role in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n