Melbourne’s third runway is likely, but not certain, despite master plan support
Cargo archive stories #229
Thursday, 27 February 2014
THERE’s not a lot of doubt that Melbourne Airport will get a third runway - needed to cope with long-term growth in cargo and passenger traffic and to ensure the facility holds its own as a major Australasian hub.
But a decision on that is still some way away, despite it featuring in the airport company’s latest master plan (which has been given the green light by the minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss).
However, Truss has emphasised that an OK for the master plan does not mean automatic approval for the third runway.
“A decision on the third runway will only be made after Melbourne Airport undertakes a detailed planning, design and regulatory approval process, which includes community consultation and examination of environmental impacts including any from aircraft noise,” said the minister.
That was acknowledged by Chris Woodruff, the airport’s chief executive, who said the company was delighted Truss had “approved our vision for Victoria’s aviation gateway” but recognised there was a lot more work to be done on the third runway proposition.
Still, the master plan consultations had helped prepare for the runway bid.
“Over the past two years we have worked with many stakeholders including industry, airlines and all levels of government as we developed this significant document,” said Woodruff.
“We also have had robust discussions with the community, particularly in regard to the third runway, and we will continue to have discussions.
“Airports are critical pieces of our national infrastructure, and our master plan sets out the vision for Melbourne Airport as a 24-hour gateway for the movement of people and goods to global destinations and markets.”
Melbourne Airport has held 32 public meetings and information sessions on the master plan and organised more than 100 briefings in addition to producing advertisements, fact sheets, a web site and social media communications. During the public consultation period 86 public submissions were received.
Truss described Melbourne Airport as “a vital gateway for Victoria and Australia, playing a major role in Victoria’s economy”.
He pointed out that “today the airport supports 14,300 direct jobs and some 43,000 jobs indirectly, while contributing A$1.47 billion a year to Victoria’s Gross State Product (GSP).
“Continued development of the airport is expected to see employment surge to 23,000 direct jobs and more than 72,000 indirect jobs, while the airport’s contribution to Victoria’s GSP is anticipated to more than double to approximately A$3.21 billion a year by 2033.”
On the web: www.melbourneairport.com.au
Melbourne’s third runway is likely, but not certain, despite master plan support
Cargo archive stories #229
Thursday, 27 February 2014
THERE’s not a lot of doubt that Melbourne Airport will get a third runway - needed to cope with long-term growth in cargo and passenger traffic and to ensure the facility holds its own as a major Australasian hub.
But a decision on that is still some way away, despite it featuring in the airport company’s latest master plan (which has been given the green light by the minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss).
However, Truss has emphasised that an OK for the master plan does not mean automatic approval for the third runway.
“A decision on the third runway will only be made after Melbourne Airport undertakes a detailed planning, design and regulatory approval process, which includes community consultation and examination of environmental impacts including any from aircraft noise,” said the minister.
That was acknowledged by Chris Woodruff, the airport’s chief executive, who said the company was delighted Truss had “approved our vision for Victoria’s aviation gateway” but recognised there was a lot more work to be done on the third runway proposition.
Still, the master plan consultations had helped prepare for the runway bid.
“Over the past two years we have worked with many stakeholders including industry, airlines and all levels of government as we developed this significant document,” said Woodruff.
“We also have had robust discussions with the community, particularly in regard to the third runway, and we will continue to have discussions.
“Airports are critical pieces of our national infrastructure, and our master plan sets out the vision for Melbourne Airport as a 24-hour gateway for the movement of people and goods to global destinations and markets.”
Melbourne Airport has held 32 public meetings and information sessions on the master plan and organised more than 100 briefings in addition to producing advertisements, fact sheets, a web site and social media communications. During the public consultation period 86 public submissions were received.
Truss described Melbourne Airport as “a vital gateway for Victoria and Australia, playing a major role in Victoria’s economy”.
He pointed out that “today the airport supports 14,300 direct jobs and some 43,000 jobs indirectly, while contributing A$1.47 billion a year to Victoria’s Gross State Product (GSP).
“Continued development of the airport is expected to see employment surge to 23,000 direct jobs and more than 72,000 indirect jobs, while the airport’s contribution to Victoria’s GSP is anticipated to more than double to approximately A$3.21 billion a year by 2033.”
