The Mediator's Report For The Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

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A mediator's report prepared by Branscombe Consulting in May 2024 addresses delivery pathways for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, a fixed transport solution connecting Melbourne city centre to the airport. The project has received $5 billion in combined federal and Victorian Government commitments and passed Infrastructure Australia evaluation in 2022, with backing from Melbourne Airport operator APAM and the public. However, the project has stalled due to relationship breakdown and misaligned expectations between the Victorian Government and APAM, primarily over a shift from an elevated to underground airport station design. The report identifies COVID-19, national infrastructure reviews, and other factors as contributing to delays. The mediator conducted stakeholder meetings with APAM, Victorian Government, IFM Investors, and Laing O'Rourke to understand conflict causes and develop delivery recommendations.