Melbourne Airport’s proposal for a third runway does not fully explain the significant health impacts this runway will have on the community.
In early 2022, we commissioned an independent assessment of the health risks associated with Melbourne Airport’s draft Master Plan and Major Development Plan (MDP). The research found:
- noise impacts would exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) noise guidelines
- children under these flight paths could experience cognitive delays of up to 6 months
- noise could cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease.
In November 2022 the Federal Government approved Melbourne Airport’s Master Plan for a third runway without an independent assessment of the health impacts. The next stage of the process involves the Government’s consideration of the MDP, expected to take place in early 2023.
Before this decision is made, we will continue to call on the Federal Government to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community is not compromised.
The impact on the west
Planes will be flying over Melbourne's west 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is expected that:
- 200 flights per day will fly over the Brimbank area
- 95 per cent of all air traffic will use the north-south runways.
Many people and facilities in Brimbank will be impacted by noise that exceeds the WHO noise guidance, including:
- 5,947 homes
- 9 early childhood centres
- 4 community facilities
- 13 education facilities.
What we're asking for
We have lodged a submission formally opposing the Melbourne Airport Masterplan and Draft MDP because of the unreasonable and unacceptable health risks posed to the Brimbank community.
We are calling on the Federal Government, which is the approval authority for the Airport’s proposal, to progress a range of changes to minimise the harm to human health from aircraft noise and improve airport planning and community consultation.
You can learn more about our submission and share your thoughts on how the Melbourne Airport proposal will impact you on our Your Say website.
Show your support
Email the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to let the Federal Government know the economic benefits of a third runway should not be at the expense of community health.