By Molly Magennis
The construction of a new third runway at Melbourne Airport may have noise-related impacts on residents in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
On January 31, the airport released its draft Master Plan and draft Major Development Plan which revealed the future direction of the airport over the next five years, 20 years and long into the future.
While Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay will not be directly affected by the construction of the third runway, a series of in-person development sessions are set to be held across the municipalities.
A ‘Library Talks’ session will be held in Maidstone and Altona for residents to meet the airport development staff in person and hear about the plans.
The talks will take place at the Maidstone Community Centre on Tuesday, February 12 from 11am to 1pm, and Altona Library on Tuesday, April 26 from 6pm to 8pm.
‘Meet the planner’ sessions are also scheduled to be held at West Footscray Neighbourhood House. Sessions will be held every fortnight on a Tuesday from noon to 8pm, with appointments available both in-person and online. The first session at the Neighbourhood House will take place on April 19.
Maribyrnong council was briefed on the proposed runway plans on Monday, February 7.
Chief executive Celia Haddock said it is too early for council to have formed a definitive view around issues or concerns.
“On preliminary review, we note there appears to be some forecast change in existing aircraft noise levels over Braybrook and north-west Maribyrnong, but will want to take the time to comprehensively examine the documents to fully understand the breadth of any implications for the municipality before forming any views,” she said.
“Council is mindful of protecting the existing community and future planned areas from any potential detrimental impacts from aircraft noise exposure. It will be closely reviewing all the documentation to understand any implications for its community. This will be a cross-council review involving a number of areas. Once this is complete, a report will go to council considering the proposal and council’s recommended response. This report will inform council’s formal submission to Melbourne Airport.”
Hobsons Bay council was contacted for comment.
