By Tate Papworth
Concerned community members have joined forces in a bid to stop a proposed north-south runway at Melbourne Airport from getting off the ground.
The Melbourne Airport Community Action Group was formed after the airport announced it would review the alignment for its long-planned third runway.
The airport had initially planned for an east-west alignment, however it says recent data revealed a north-south option may be better.
A north-south runway would mean additional aircraft traffic over Brimbank suburbs, including Keilor.
Group spokesperson Hannah Robertson said after some research it became clear the community needed a voice.
“I quickly realised the devastating impact a north-south runway would have on the community, not just Keilor, but for a large portion of Brimbank,” she said.
“There are significant noise concerns – for example there are seven schools which will be under noise contours – those schools wouldn’t be able to be built under those conditions if they didn’t already exist.
“Aircraft noise significantly impacts children’s learning and cognitive development … And that’s not even mentioning the traffic and infrastructure congestion.”
The group is partnering with the Hume Residents Airport Action Group and Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association.
“I’m a reasonably informed person and it shocked me how little I knew,” Ms Robertson said. “I can’t help but wonder if I knew nothing, then how much does the wider community know? We’ve created a Facebook group where people can post evidence-based articles and information.”
The group also hopes to spread the word through other means.
“We’re hoping to do a leaflet drop to over 33,000 homes in Brimbank. Obviously costs associated with printing are high, so we’re hoping once word spreads a few more people will donate.
“We’re also looking to do a community forum, which will feature independent experts. I’m not doubting the airport, but I think people want to hear from independent sources.”
The group is yet to set a date for the forum.
Details: www.facebook.com/groups/653555668496216/
