Melbourne Airport has announced the development of a noise sharing and airspace concept plan as part of preparations for its third runway, aiming to distribute aircraft noise more evenly across surrounding suburbs.
With the new runway set to open in 2031, aircraft movements will increase, changing how arrivals and departures are managed.
Melbourne Airport said the plan aims to allow carefully designed flight paths and runway operations to provide residents with periods of respite, especially in communities who are most likely to experience an increase in the exposure to aircraft related noise.
The noise sharing plan is a federal requirement by the minister for infrastructure, transport, and regional development for the runway’s construction, with independent consultants Trax and GHD appointed to develop the strategy.
The plan comes after Melbourne airport’s introduction of a noise amelioration program which aims to mitigate the impacts on aircraft noise in affected areas of Melbourne’s north and west and is expected to be finalised by mid 2026.
Measures include upgrades to the plan to ease the effect of aircraft related noise on surrounding homes, schools, community buildings and those built before current acoustic standards were introduced.
Community consultation begins next year, with Melbourne airport currently requesting input through an online survey.
The survey can be found at https://www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/noise-sharing-plan.
