By Charlene Macaulay
Brimbank and Hume residents are concerned a proposed third runway at Melbourne Airport would mean more planes flying over their properties at low altitude.
More than 100 residents attended a recent meeting of the Hume Residents Airport Action Group to oppose the development and advocate for more flights at Avalon Airport.
Gladstone Park resident Frank Rivoli said the third runway would affect residents in Gladstone Park, Westmeadows, Tullamarine, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes and surrounds.
“The Commonwealth never indicated a flight path over this particular area … we don’t want the runway happening,” Mr Rivoli said.
“If we look at all the airports available, there’s a runway that’s 50 kilometres from here [at Avalon airport] which is under-utilised.
“No one on this side may want to go there, but people in Geelong and that area, if they were given the opportunity to fly out of Avalon, it would take the pressure off Melbourne airport.”
The proposed third runway, which would run parallel to the current east-west runway, is part of Melbourne Airport’s 20-year,
$10 billion expansion plan. The runway must receive federal government approval before construction can start.
A ‘noise tool’ on the Melbourne Airport site reveals planes will be flying as low as 30 metres over Keilor Park and 152 metres over Taylors Lakes with three runways in operation.
Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport was keen to build a third runway and extend the current east-west runway to cater for the forecast growth in the number of flights and passengers.
Ms Gillett said the current two-runway system would reach capacity by 2020.
“Airports by their very nature can be noisy places, which can have an impact on neighbouring communities,” Ms Gillett said.
“Some residential suburbs around Melbourne Airport will see more aircraft flying overhead when the new runway is operational, including Broadmeadows, Gladstone Park, Hillside and Diggers Rest.
“Melbourne Airport works with airlines and Airservices Australia to minimise the impact of aircraft noise, including the use of noise abatement procedures,” she said.
For details on Hume Residents Airport Action Group, email aireagle@paulr33.com.
