Melbourne Airport is poised to transform the city’s north-west with the construction of its third runway, a project that promises to deliver a substantial economic boost and create thousands of jobs. The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government has approved the runway, which is projected to contribute nearly $6 billion annually to Victoria’s economy and unlock 51,000 employment opportunities.
Beyond the economic benefits, Melbourne Airport is prioritizing community well-being by implementing the most comprehensive brownfields noise reduction program in Australian aviation history. This initiative, developed in collaboration with local councils, communities, and government agencies, will mitigate the impact of aircraft noise on nearby residential areas, childcare centers, and educational facilities. The program ensures that the most affected areas receive the necessary support while balancing the benefits of the airport’s expansion with the well-being of local residents.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus highlighted the program’s responsiveness to community feedback gathered during a 104-day public consultation period. “The third runway will deliver jobs and economic growth for the state of Victoria and incredible opportunities for the people of Melbourne’s north-west,” she stated. “It will also give airlines the room they need to grow, which will provide travelers with more choice.”
Argus emphasized that Melbourne Airport was designed to be Victoria’s primary 24-hour international gateway, and the expansion has been planned for decades. “We’ve heard the concerns from some residents about noise, and we’ve worked closely with the government throughout the approval process to develop terms for a comprehensive noise attenuation program that will support the people most affected by aircraft noise,” she said. “We know the community will have more questions and we look forward to working through those over the coming years as the project progresses.”
To further minimize noise impact, Melbourne Airport will restore the length of its existing east-west runway to optimize noise-sharing opportunities and better distribute aircraft noise across affected areas. Additionally, the airport will conduct a long-term study to assess the health impacts of aircraft noise on residents. The study’s framework, including the draft terms of reference, will be shaped in collaboration with the Melbourne Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group, ensuring community input plays a central role in the research process.
This transformative project signals a significant step forward in Melbourne’s infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to economic growth while prioritizing community concerns. By combining economic benefits with innovative noise mitigation measures, Melbourne Airport is paving the way for a brighter future for both the city and its residents.
