Monash welcomes airport rail and added boost to Clayton infrastructure

Published on 21 November 2020

Monash Council has welcomed today's announcement by the State Goverment of the Melbourne Airport Rail project, which includes further infrastructure investment in Clayton.

The $10billion project will enable people to travel to the airport along the Cranbourne/Pakenham line, connecting with stations at Clayton, Caulfield, Anzac, Town Hall, the State Library, Parkville, Arden, Footscray with a new superhub at Sunshine.

The link is expected to be completed by 2029. The State Government has advised a trip to the airport from Clayton, on the new high capacity trains that will be in use on this line, would take about an hour.

Mayor Brian Little said Council was still seeking further detail on the project but welcomed the accessibility it offered for Monash residents and visitors to Clayton.

"Monash is identified as a National Employment and Innovation Cluster, a significant health, education and research precinct. It attracts medical professionals, international students, those seeking medical care and those working on innovations in science and technology," Cr Little said.

"We have the Monash Medical Centre, Monash University and the soon to be opened Victorian Heart Hospital in this area and creating fast and easy access to these services and institutions is important.

"We welcome this investment in our municipality and the job opportunities it presents."

Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 393 979 or email Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au

Identified in the Victorian Government's Metropolitan Planning Strategy, Plan Melbourne, the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster (Monash NEIC) includes world class facilities such as the CSIRO, Australian Synchrotron, Monash Medical Centre and Monash University Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct (STRIP).

The Monash NEIC is the largest of the seven NEICs identified in Plan Melbourne (2017/2050).

It has been recognised by the Victorian Government as a priority precinct with the highest potential for job growth and transformation, with the number of jobs expected to double over the next 35 years.