Tara Murray
Brimbank councillor Virginia Tachos is calling for councillor representation on the Melbourne Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group.
At the last council meeting, Cr Tachos said there should be councillor representation from Brimbank, Hume, Melton and Moonee Valley councils. Currently there is just one councillor from Hume on the group.
She said with two other key community airport groups no longer running, it was important councillors got their say.
“Melbourne airport is not listening nor hearing the concerns of residents regarding airport plans and operations,” she said. “The Melbourne Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group is an important forum for communities to provide feedback about Melbourne airport operations.
“Lack of councillor representation is an oversight and complete misunderstanding of the role of councillors.”
A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said that Brimbank was well represented in the group with two community members and one council officer.
“Melbourne Airport recognises the need for a diverse range of voices and is looking to expand the CACG to include more members of the community, but there are no plans to include councillors given local councils are already well represented.
“Brimbank councillors recently had the opportunity to meet with the airport planning team to ask questions and express their views about current operations and future developments.
“Council meetings provide the appropriate forum for councillors to have their voices heard, and like all members of the community, they are welcome to raise any issues they may have directly with Melbourne Airport.”
