A new McGrath Report has named Sunshine, Werribee, Reservoir, Boronia and Highett as Melbourne suburbs likely to perform strongly in 2027. McGrath Estate Agents founder John McGrath said Sunshine's days as a secret are numbered. Sunshine is set to become a major stop on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, with station works underway. Local agents expect the project to lift demand and prices. Buyers' advocates say Sunshine, Werribee, Boronia and Reservoir offer affordable entry points for first-home buyers.
A preferred bidder has been chosen to transform Sunshine Station in Melbourne into a six-platform transport superhub. The Network Integration Program Alliance, made up of CPB Contractors and SMEC, will deliver the Stage 1 works, due for completion in 2030. The upgrades include new regional train platforms, an extended concourse, new forecourts and an upgraded bus interchange. Three of five Stage 1 packages have already been awarded. Stage 2 works, which will extend the line to a new Keilor East station, start in coming weeks and are due for completion in 2031.
Liberal senator Sarah Henderson has blamed Melbourne Airport parking rates for a $1069 charge she billed to taxpayers last year. The fee covered 13 days of parking. Henderson said MPs can claim parking costs for parliamentary business and that most of her charges came from parking at Tullamarine Airport when travelling to Canberra. NewsWire checked the airport's online rates and found its most expensive 13-day option cost $809, while its cheapest was $195. Henderson also accused Communications Minister Anika Wells of lying about her own expenses.
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A 37-year-old Pakistani national has been charged after authorities allegedly stopped a woman and two young children from being taken out of Australia through Melbourne Airport. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday over what the Australian Federal Police describe as an attempted exit trafficking matter. Police allege he used threats to force the woman to comply with travel plans. He was charged after warrants were carried out in Glenroy on October 9, and a phone, laptop and documents were seized. AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano urged anyone who suspects human trafficking to come forward.
A strip of green space in West Footscray will no longer be used for construction on the Melbourne Airport Rail project, following a community campaign. Residents of Rupert Street Community had opposed its use as a construction laydown area, warning that trees and a buffer from the rail corridor could be lost. Spokesperson Julie Nunn said the group supported the project but questioned the need for tree removal. The project's spokesperson said the program had been altered to avoid using the land. Safety fencing will still be needed near First Street for three weeks to protect trees.
A transport campaign has welcomed commitments to build the second stage of Melbourne Airport Rail to Keilor East, but warns the $100m project will fail without urgent bus reform. Better Buses for Melbourne’s West said major party pledges show political leaders recognise infrastructure challenges in the west, but cautioned benefits will be wasted if locals cannot reach the station. Premier Ben Carroll and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced stage two of the project on 30 September.
Melbourne Airport has opened a new $500 million pick-up and drop-off zone at its multi-level car park, replacing the 50-year-old service area in front of terminals 1, 2 and 3. The new zone, connected via an elevated pedestrian bridge, aims to reduce traffic congestion and offers nearly three times as many vehicle spaces. Travellers will need to walk between 172 and 380 metres to reach the terminals, with support services available for those with disabilities or mobility difficulties. The change also paves the way for a $4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal.
