Political manoeuvring aside, an airport rail link that includes a stop at Sunshine will benefit regional passengers.
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But Committee for Ballarat's chief executive Michael Poulton has reiterated the tunnel will bring the most benefits.
The long-awaited airport rail link between Melbourne and Tullamarine is still being negotiated, with the state and federal governments yet to commit to a final plan despite billions of dollars being put on the table.
Tunnel proponents say it's essential to separate regional trains from metropolitan services, however an above-ground plan, which uses more existing track, is also being considered - this would be much cheaper.
The Age reports the federal government is encouraging a private consortium's proposal to build, own, and operate the tunnel, but there are "senior figures" in the state government that are "wary" of "private players".
A state government spokesperson reiterated the current memorandum of understanding for the project has a requirement to use Sunshine, which opens the door for regional rail benefits.
In a television interview, federal Minister for Cities Alan Tudge said "good faith negotiations" were ongoing, with fast rail to the regions relying on "having that faster connection out to Sunshine".
To account for rapid growth, action will eventually need to be taken to separate Ballarat trains from growing suburbs in Melbourne's outer west - the state government has committed $100 million to explore options in the Western Rail Plan, while councils and lobby groups, led by the City of Greater Geelong, have released the Stronger Together report calling for 200km/h trains.
Mr Poulton said the airport link is a significant project.
"I accept a bit of politics is being played out here at state and federal level," he said.
"The private consortium (AirRail) and federal government could have committed to building it already if it was just an airport link, but the vision to be more, to the decoupling of metro and regional networks."
He added other regional centres interstate were facing their own fast rail issues as populations continued to grow.
"It's an issue for the entire east coast - here in Victoria, let's be bold and ambitious, get it right, and demonstrate to the rest of the country it works," he said.
The project is due to begin construction in 2022.
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