THE FEDERAL government has given the all-clear for construction of a third runway at Melbourne Airport, with anticipated benefits for the air freight sector.
The development plan was approved on Friday (13 September) by federal minister for infrastructure and transport Catherine King, who has imposed certain noise-related conditions that need to be met for the runway to proceed.
The 3000-metre-long runway is expected to open in 2031, increasing the airport’s capacity by allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings.
Melbourne Airport considers a third runway an opportunity for growth in air freight movements and the state’s economy.
About 40% of Australia’s air freight exports pass through Melbourne Airport, according to recent data from the airport. It expects freight demand to grow as Melbourne advances toward its projected status as Australia’s largest city in 2031-32.
Minister King also acknowledged the potential for better access for freight and economic growth, and requires the airport maintain sufficient capacity on the existing east-west runway to support noise sharing so no one community “bears the brunt” of the airport’s growth.
Melbourne Airport will also need to design and implement a noise sharing and airspace plan and conduct a community health study into the impacts of noise before and after the runway is established.
“The noise sharing plan will be developed by the airport, and in consultation with local communities, over the years to come,” Ms King said.
“Melbourne’s third runway will bring it in line with Sydney and other globally competitive airports.
“But these conditions, along with relevant environmental requirements, mean that we are balancing the growth of the airport, with the needs of the communities on the ground.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new runway would benefit Australian exporters for decades to come.
“Australia’s vast distances and Melbourne’s position on the globe mean demand for air access will continue to grow as our population increases,” she said.
“The new north-south runway will ensure Victoria’s primary international gateway has adequate capacity to serve the state’s needs for future generations.
“Sydney and Brisbane already operate parallel runway systems, so this will ensure that Melbourne does not become a handbrake on the national air network or the national economy.”
