The No 3rd Tulla Runway campaign has made its way to Maribyrnong, in a community forum.
The event was held on Tuesday, October 24, in conjunction with Climate Action Maribyrnong.
PR manager and lead campaigner Shannon Meilak said there are many reasons why the group is against building a third runway at Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine.
“There are four parameters which we are focussed on,” said Ms Meilak .
“One is the health impact to residents, two is the climate impact, three is the environmental impact and fourth is the financial impacts to residents.
“Those are the four parameters that we advocate for and why we stand against the runway.”
Ms Meilak said the group is a coalition of people who are all advocating for the same thing, endorsed by 15 organisations.
If a third runway was to be built, Ms Meilak said it will have negative and direct impacts physically, mentally, emotionally and financially to hundreds of thousands of people living, learning and working around a third runway and under its flight paths.
“The increased greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent global warming enabled by a third runway will negatively and directly impact all Australians,” shesaid.
“A third runway will also contaminate the surrounding area with toxic chemicals and cause harm to people, our beautiful and unique wildlife, and destroy local flora, including protected woodland, that must be preserved for future generations.”
The coalition decided to host a community outreach forum in Maribyrnong to raise awareness.
“There has been a lack of transparency and communication to the community.
“Councils have not provided information to the public, at least, not sufficient information.
“So most residents are unaware that these things are going to happen., those negative impacts will happen in their area.”
Jennifer Pittorino
