Avalon Airport Rail Link. Community and Stakeholder Issues and Ideas Report Understanding what s important. December 2011

Transcription

1 Avalon Airport Rail Link Community and Stakeholder Issues and Ideas Report Understanding what s important 6 December

2 1. Introduction The Victorian Government committed $3 million in the Victorian Budget for the planning and development of a rail link to Avalon Airport. Avalon Airport is Victoria s second busiest airport, currently servicing up to one million passengers per year. Its location between Melbourne and Geelong puts the airport in close proximity to some of Victoria s fastest growing regions. A rail link to Avalon Airport will: Provide high standard public transport for travellers; Support the development of Avalon Airport; and Support the growth of economic and employment opportunities in the region. The Department of Transport is currently investigating options for a link between Avalon Airport and the existing Melbourne-Geelong rail line and a new station at the airport. Planning for the Avalon Airport Rail Link project commenced in 2011 and is expected to conclude in The planning process involves undertaking detailed investigations into the technical, environmental, social and economic effects of a rail link as well as collecting and considering a range of stakeholder and community input. Key phases in the planning and engagement process 2.

3 2. Community and stakeholder engagement A comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement program has been incorporated into the Avalon Airport Rail Link planning process. In doing this the Department of Transport seeks to improve project decisions and outcomes through the collection, understanding and incorporation of community, stakeholder and specialist input. The project team will actively seek community and stakeholder input at the following key stages: Phase 1 ( ) Establish what s important, identify issues and ideas and provide feedback on initial options. Phase 2 (2012) Feedback on a range of options and seek input to assist in refining the options. Phase 3 (2013) Feedback on the preferred option. This section provides a summary of the engagement process and input collected from a range of stakeholders and community members at Phase 1 so that it may be considered in the development of options for the rail link. 2.1 Input into the process The Avalon Airport Rail Link project team sought initial input from project stakeholders and the community in late A number of engagement activities were undertaken in order to collect a range of views and ideas including: meetings with stakeholders and community groups; industry briefings; community workshops, online discussion forums and a feedback box at Avalon Airport. Tools utilised to raise awareness of the project and the consultation process included: newspaper advertising, direct mail to local residents, information published and distributed online and project information available at train stations and Avalon Airport. Stakeholder and community input was primarily collected through the below activities: Meetings The project team met with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, transport and community groups to understand views. Input was obtained through a range of meetings and briefings. 3.

4 Community workshops Approximately 70 residents of Lara and Little River attended community workshops to provide a local perspective. The workshops were run by an independent facilitator. A total of 1,000 ideas and issues were recorded over two workshops. Online discussion forums More than 1,000 unique visitors viewed the project s online discussion forums and 56 registered users made 100 comments. Users originated from the Lara and Little River areas as well as across Melbourne, Geelong and southwestern Victoria. Comments made in the forum represent a wide range of opinions, ideas and interests. Airport feedback box 100 airport users provided feedback about their experience using Avalon Airport and ideas for a rail link. Respondents ranged from local residents to interstate and international visitors. This feedback was primarily focused on the operational aspects of a rail link. Community workshop held in Lara 4.

5 3. Issues and ideas This section outlines the common issues, challenges and ideas identified by the community and stakeholders during the first phase of consultation. Discussions with the community primarily centred around the below topics: Issues and ideas to be considered in the development of a rail link Current challenges travelling to Avalon Airport Information collected will inform the project team and its specialist consultants to ensure that key issues and ideas are considered in the development of options. It is important to note that some of the ideas and suggestions raised are outside the scope of the Avalon Airport Rail Link project but have been included to show the breadth of issues raised. Responses have been grouped into six broad themes to help provide a clear overview of input: Transport Design and operations Planning and development Economic Environment Social 3.1 Transport A one seat ride that does not require changing transport modes with luggage is highly valued. Connecting key growth areas and existing transport hubs such as Werribee with the airport is important to provide a convenient and accessible service and wide passenger catchment. A seamless connection with interlinking transport services such as Vline services from Warrnambool, Metropolitan trains, the Overland train, buses and tour buses will make rail service accessible to a range of people from across Victoria. All possible alignment options should be investigated to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved. Consider how rail line will cross existing roads ensure that no new level crossings are created as a result; look at alignment options with few road crossings to reduce over/underpass costs. 5.

6 3.2 Design and operations Compliment rural aspects of the landscape in rail corridor and station design Airport station location must be convenient to the terminal in order to provide a user-friendly and attractive service that reduces the need to carry luggage. Make train and station easily accessible to a range of people; design to DDA standards and universal design principles; important that the service is user friendly for the elderly, people with disability and those pushing prams and bags. Consider future freight requirements and design a rail line that can accommodate this; a dual gauge system that allows for freight connection to national rail network. Design to withstand flooding the area between Lara and Little River is a natural flood plain and swamp land, consider the risk of flooding for any underpass design. Frequency, span of hours and travel time will all impact upon the success of a rail service to Avalon Airport; a quick and convenient service is more likely to attract passengers. An express service with few or no stops for a fast and direct journey is attractive to potential passengers. Consider a dedicated track to ensure frequent and fast trains can be accommodated. Keep rail link in public hands to maintain control over ticket prices and timetabling. 3.3 Planning and development Important to achieve a long-term integrated solution that links with other current and potential projects/developments as well as local aspirations for the area. There is a need to work closely with the community, private enterprise and all levels of government to achieve this and to understand the combined impacts of future changes. Secure a rail corridor now for future use as associated costs and difficulty will only increase in the future. Plan for the long term ensure that infrastructure planned today meets all potential future needs. Consider new developments, population growth, future connections and capacity. Need for a rail link mixed views regarding the need and/or urgency for a rail link to Avalon Airport now and in the future. Others believe that this is an important project that is needed to support growth in Geelong and Melbourne s west and regional development. 6.

7 Learn from the success and failures of other airport rail links such as Sydney, Brisbane, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and London. Intermodal hub there is some resistance to providing for freight without knowing where an intermodal facility will be located. Need to understand long term plan for Avalon Airport in order to plan and build an appropriate rail link that meets future needs. Consider different alignment options for example centre of Princes Freeway, eastern side of the freeway, underground, elevated; avoid the green wedge and move the alignment to the east of Little River. Rail link would provide a point of difference for Avalon making travel to the airport easier, helping attract more users and providing a public transport option for airport employees. Pre-check in on the train or at the originating station would add to the convenience and attractiveness of an airport rail link. Consider other transport options such as extending the electrified Werribee line, monorail, high speed/bullet trains, light rail, bus, boats, and driverless shuttles. 3.4 Economic Need to secure more airlines if the rail link and airport development is to become economically viable. Construction of a jet fuel pipeline and rail link will provide added attraction for airlines. Airport development seen as a key economic driver for Werribee and Geelong. Cost of building and operating a rail link some people are concerned that the rail link could become a white elephant. Alternative modes of transport should be considered to provide a lower cost mid-term solution. Cost of using a rail link will affect attractiveness of the service ticketing options need to be examined to ensure affordability for people travelling on the low cost airlines. Consider fare options for families and concession card holders so that it isn t cheaper to drive and park. Economic and employment opportunities - some people believe that a rail link and airport development will open up job opportunities while others believe it will just move jobs from one location or industry to another. More visitors will be attracted to Geelong, the south-west and western Victoria and key tourism destinations such as the Great Ocean Road by an improved airport and better access. More competition between two airports is seen as a positive for travellers. 7.

8 3.5 Environment Protect the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary as safe habitats for endangered and at risk flora and fauna. Protect native grasslands, RAMSAR wetlands and local biosites. Consider affect of lights, noise and airport growth on wildlife. Good public transport helps to reduce carbon emissions by providing an alternative to private car travel. 3.6 Social A rail line is a catalyst for growth at the airport. Consider the impact of a growing airport on the liveability of local communities. Increased air, road and freight traffic, population growth and more visitors to the area could put pressure on local infrastructure, cost of living and affect lifestyle. Protect Aboriginal heritage sites in the area. Protect quiet rural lifestyle and maintain country atmosphere for local communities growth results in loss of country feel. Maintain existing green wedge areas to reduce noise, protect from urban growth and provide a buffer between Geelong and Melbourne. Opening up western Melbourne and Geelong to growth and development some people believe that this will change the character of their town and increase the potential for congestion, crime and other social problems. Others see it as a way to invigorate the area through job creation and attracting new people. Extra car parking at local/connecting train stations for people starting the airport journey; consider the impact on local people who are regular commuters. A busier airport will increase traffic on roads and public transport having an impact on local roads, existing train services and the Princes Freeway. Remove level crossing at Lara to improve safety and reduce congestion and noise. Ensure appropriate local infrastructure is built to cater for more people and transport users; more people visiting and moving to the area will put a strain on existing roads, public transport, health services, schools, shops and other infrastructure. 8.

9 4. Conclusion Community and stakeholder input is an important component that will be considered in the development of options for a rail link to Avalon Airport. It is therefore essential that people are properly engaged throughout the study and have an understanding of the key considerations that form part of the development of options. In light of the feedback received from the first round of consultation, the project team has identified the following widespread views: Planning now for the future: There is strong support for reserving a rail corridor now, but a short to medium term option should be considered until airport demand can justify the need for a heavy rail link. Integrated solution: Consideration should be given to an integrated solution that considers other transport modes and has the ability to scale frequency of services to meet airport demand. Alternate alignments: Consideration should be given to alternate rail corridors outside the Lara to Little River precinct that take into account the broader planning context. Future of freight: This is an important for the economic driver within the region and should be provided for within the Airport Rail Link. Rural amenity: There are perceived negative impacts on lifestyle and rural amenity if the rail link were to stimulate urban development. Flora and Fauna: Protect and retain flora and fauna habitats. Point of difference: The rail link provides opportunity to make Avalon Airport a point of difference and that consideration be given to other transport modes that could operate along the corridor. Protect airport operations: The development of Avalon Airport as an international terminal is a key economic driver, and as such planning controls should be put in place to protect 24/7 airport operation. It is noted that there are some findings that are not part of the scope of the Avalon Airport Rail Link Project but this will help to inform option development. 9.