Airport Rail Mediator Backs Above-Ground Station A mediator appointed to oversee the planning of an airport rail link has recommended that the station at the airport be built above ground. The mediator, [Mediator’s Name], released a report on Tuesday after conducting a year-long investigation into the best location for the station. The report concluded that an above-ground station would be the most cost-effective and least disruptive option. “An above-ground station would allow for a more efficient and direct connection to the airport,” said [Mediator’s Name]. “It would also minimize the impact on the surrounding community and avoid the need for extensive tunneling.” The recommendation has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders. Airport officials have expressed support for the plan, saying that it would improve access to the airport and reduce traffic congestion. However, some residents in the area have raised concerns about noise and pollution. The project is still in the early stages of planning, and the final decision on the station’s location will be made by the airport authority. Benefits of an Above-Ground Station * Cost-effective: An above-ground station would be less expensive to build than an underground station. * Less disruptive: Building an above-ground station would cause less disruption to the surrounding community than an underground station. * More efficient: An above-ground station would allow for a more direct connection to the airport, reducing travel times. Concerns about an Above-Ground Station * Noise: An above-ground station could generate noise pollution for nearby residents. * Pollution: An above-ground station could also generate air pollution from trains. * Visual impact: An above-ground station could have a negative visual impact on the surrounding area. The airport authority is expected to consider all of these factors before making a final decision on the station’s location.Underground Train Station at Melbourne Airport Deemed UnviableUnderground Train Station at Melbourne Airport Deemed Unviable Neil Scales, the mediator tasked with examining the stalled Melbourne Airport Rail Link project, has recommended discontinuing consideration of an underground train station at the airport. Despite the $10 billion project being deemed “viable and necessary,” Scales believes an above-ground station is the more feasible option unless a comprehensive case is presented for an alternative. The report submitted to Transport Minister Catherine King suggests three main recommendations: * Continue upgrading Sunshine Station as a major transport hub, leveraging the early works completed for the rail link. * Update modeling on the capacity of Tullamarine Freeway. * Discontinue federal and state consideration of an underground station unless airport owner APAM provides a strong business case. According to Scales, if APAM wishes to pursue the underground option, they should develop a detailed business plan for review by stakeholders. Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson agrees with the report’s analysis, stating that an underground station is disruptive, costly, and would delay completion by two years. Melbourne Airport maintains its support for an underground station, claiming it is the optimal solution. The airport’s spokesperson emphasizes that it was collaborating with the Victorian government until negotiations ceased and the project was referred for federal review. They express a willingness to work with the Commonwealth and state governments using existing business cases for underground stations at other airports, such as Western Sydney Airport. The full report has been shared with state counterparts and airport owners for further consultation.An independent mediator appointed by the federal government has recommended an above-ground rail station be built at the proposed Western Sydney Airport. The recommendation, contained in a draft report released on Wednesday, is a major setback for the New South Wales government, which has been pushing for an underground station. The mediator, former NSW premier Nick Greiner, said an above-ground station would be cheaper to build and operate, and would allow for a more efficient interchange with other transport modes. “The above-ground station option is also more flexible and adaptable to future changes in demand and technology,” Mr Greiner said. The NSW government has argued that an underground station would be more convenient for passengers and would have less impact on the surrounding environment. But Mr Greiner said the environmental impacts of an above-ground station could be mitigated through careful design and planning. “I am confident that an above-ground station can be designed to meet the needs of passengers and the community while also minimising environmental impacts,” he said. The final decision on the location of the airport rail station will be made by the federal government. A spokesman for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael McCormack said the government would consider the mediator’s recommendation carefully. “The government is committed to delivering a world-class airport rail link for Western Sydney,” the spokesman said. “We will carefully consider the mediator’s report and consult with all stakeholders before making a final decision.” The draft report is open for public comment until April 26.