Council’s voice on Melbourne Airport future plans
Published on 27 April 2022
Calls for Melbourne Airport to continue to provide and explore innovative noise and health measures to minimise and mitigate aircraft noise lead Hume City Council’s submission to the draft 2022 Melbourne Airport Master Plan and Third Runway Major Development Plan.
Both plans, which are currently open for public exhibition, will guide the airport’s future growth and ongoing development to meet Victoria’s growing infrastructure needs.
Council’s submission, which was endorsed at its meeting last night, notes that while it is unfortunate that any parts of the Hume community are impacted by aircraft noise, the noise impacts of a new north-south runway would impact less residents than the previously proposed east-west runway.
Despite this, Council remains sympathetic to impacted communities, and has requested that Melbourne Airport support residents and advocate to the Federal Government for greater policy and financial support for insulating homes, child and aged care facilities, libraries and schools against high levels of aircraft noise.
Council encouraged Melbourne Airport to take a more active role in advocating to the Victorian State Government to provide clarity and commitment to the timing and delivery of key transport projects including Sunbury Road, Bulla Bypass, Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and Airport Link.
Submissions for both the draft 2022 Melbourne Airport Master Plan and Third Runway Major Development Plan are open until 16 May 2022 and can be found at melbourneairport.com.au/masterplan.
Hume City Council Mayor, Councillor Carly Moore said:
“As our largest employer, Council recognises the significance of Melbourne Airport and its contribution to Hume City.
“While Council supports the airport’s growth, it believes that this development can and must occur in a manner which minimises potential adverse effects on the community.
“Council is sympathetic to any resident or business that will be impacted by the proposed north-south runway and calls on Melbourne Airport to consider greater mitigation support.
“Council urges Melbourne Airport to continue to meaningfully listen and respond to both ours and our community’s submissions on both plans and to continue this line of communication with affected communities beyond this process.”