Future Victoria: ‘Game changing’ plan to transform Avalon into Luton of Melbourne

Airport bosses are looking for global inspiration to bring thousands more passengers and jobs to one of the state’s fastest-growing areas, eyeing a new 4km driverless shuttle that would link the precinct to existing rail networks.

A new 4km driverless shuttle linking Avalon Airport to the existing rail network would pave the way to transform the precinct. Picture: supplied

A new 4km driverless shuttle linking Avalon Airport to the existing rail network would pave the way for thousands of extra passengers and jobs in one of the fastest growing parts of Victoria.

Avalon Airport chief Ari Suss has told the Herald Sun’s Future Victoria campaign that a new rapid light rail system would be a “game changer” because it could be done without diverting V/Line tracks and at a fraction of the cost of heavy rail.

He compared the precinct to London’s Luton airport, which is the same distance from central London as Avalon is to central Melbourne, and which took flight as a major destination once its autonomous light rail link was established.

Avalon Airport bosses believe the precinct could become the Luton Airport (pictured) of Melbourne. Picture AFP

Luton is one of six international airports in London, which has a population of almost nine million people – the same as what experts say Melbourne will reach in the 2050s.

“With Victoria’s rapid population growth rolling on, we need to ensure we’re not left trapped by the feel of ‘one road in and out’ of the State when it comes to aviation,” Mr Suss said.

“Avalon is in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing population corridor – centrally located between Melbourne’s West and rapidly growing Geelong region.”

Avalon Airport chief Ari Suss says a new rapid light rail system would pave the way for thousands of extra passengers and new jobs. Picture: Brad Fleet

Mr Suss said building rail systems to Victoria’s international airports – both Tullamarine and Avalon – was necessary, but that Avalon could be connected to rail via a stand-alone light rail shuttle once a station was built at Avalon on the existing network.

A $13 billion Tullamarine link has been put on ice for four years following a dispute with the airport owners over a station location – a dispute which has since been resolved.

“Connectivity matters. We need to get the planning right with the goal obvious; two international curfew-free airports, both Tullamarine and Avalon, connected by road and rail,” Mr Suss said.

Avalon Airport bosses believe a light rail connecting to the rail network is the ultimate solution to generate more traffic and jobs in the area. Picture: Alan Barber

“Improved access to Avalon with a rapid 4-minute driverless rail shuttle connecting to the existing Melbourne-Geelong line will be a game changer.”

“We’re not reinventing the wheel. This solution is up in running internationally – with London-Luton Airport now moving close to 20 million people annually and enabling more aviation gateway choice for passengers.

“We get this right and the public wins, with our two airports, not just offering up airline competition, but real airport competition too.”

The airport, which is owned by Linfox, wants to build a new station between existing Lara and Little River stations, which would enable a new bus or trackless tram to run directly to terminals.

Once passenger numbers were proven, rail tracks for a driverless shuttle would be laid.

Avalon will shortly unveil a new Master Plan for the airport, which will set ambitious passenger and job targets into the 2030s.

Avalon Airport opened a new international terminal in late-2018, but was shuttered during the Covid-19 crisis that threw aviation into a tailspin.

The airport is working on fresh flight paths overseas and is expected to reopen international terminals within months.