Max Hatzoglou
Melbourne Airport has moved to reassure the community that the projected impacts of the proposed third runway are a “worst case scenario”.
The airport’s chief of infrastructure, Simon Gandy, said the airport had taken a conservative approach to its modelling in an effort to be “as upfront as possible with the community about the potential impacts of the third runway”.
“For example, our noise forecasts use the current mix of aircraft, plus known future aircraft orders, despite the understanding that even quieter, more environmentally friendly jets will become available as commercial aircraft technology develops over the next 20 years, because we don’t want to base our assumptions on something that hasn’t yet been delivered,” he said.
“We’re not attempting to sugar-coat any of the impacts, and we’ve effectively tried to present a worst case scenario.
“We’ve created an interactive online noise and flight path tool so that people can see the forecast impacts at their address, and we would encourage everyone to explore the information we’ve put out”.
The airport says the third runway is highly likely to be built and is needed for Melbourne’s future growth.
“… It enables connections for both people and cargo, both within Australia and around the world,” Mr Gandy said.
“Brisbane and Sydney now both operate parallel runway systems, and Melbourne risks becoming a handbrake on the national air network if our capacity isn’t increased to match the other two cities.
“We cannot afford to be left behind –the economic growth linked to curfew-free runway operations at Melbourne Airport is vital for Victoria’s future success.
“Construction of the third runway and the growth it facilitates will support thousands more jobs both on the airport precinct and in the industries that rely on aviation, such as tourism, international education and time-critical agriculture and fisheries.”
The airport is encouraging residents to view plans for the third runway and provide feedback.
“This is the community’s best opportunity to influence how the new runway is delivered and how it is operated, so it’s important people have their say,” Mr Gandy said.
Details: caportal.com.au/melair/virtual/feedback
