The idea of an underground train station at Melbourne Airport should no longer be entertained, says the man charged with getting the stalled project moving.
Mediator Neil Scales reported the $10 billion project remains "viable and necessary" but should be above ground unless a "comprehensive" case was put forward for an alternative.
The report made three main recommendations, including Sunshine Station works continuing to transform it into a major transport hub.
This would capitalise on the early works completed for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, according to Mr Scales.
Its second recommendation was for refreshed modelling work on the timeline for capacity of Tullamarine Freeway.
The third was to move against further federal and state consideration of an underground train option, unless airport owner APAM puts forward a case in support.
"Should APAM wish to progress with the option of an underground station, it recommended that they produce a suitable and comprehensive business case, so that key stakeholders can examine the proposal in detail," Mr Scales said.
The full report has been sent by the federal government to its state counterparts and the airport owners.
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