Over the last two years Melbourne Airport has developed its 2013 Master Plan. The Master Plan outlines the vision and strategic intent for Melbourne Airport’s future for the next 20 years. This long-term planning is vital, with over 64 million passengers per year expected by 2033.
The development of the Master Plan has involved a broad range of stakeholders including Commonwealth, State and Local Government, industry, community and airline partners. Throughout the two year period, Melbourne Airport engaged with its stakeholders through 32 public meetings and information sessions, over 100 briefings, advertisements, social media activity, fact sheets, website communications and an interactive noise tool. The involvement and contribution of every stakeholder has allowed Melbourne Airport to develop a comprehensive document, addressing the airport’s future needs, while balancing the interaction with residential neighbours and the wider community.
On December 23, 2013 the Commonwealth Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development approved the 2013 Melbourne Airport Master Plan pursuant to Section 81 of the Airports Act 1996. A copy of the media release is available via the following link:
http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wt/releases/2013/December/wt050_2013.aspx
In accordance with the Act, the final Master Plan will be published within 50 days and will be available for viewing via the following link:
http://www.melbourneairport.com.au
At this time the 2013 Master Plan will also available for inspection at the office of Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Pty Ltd, 2nd Floor, T2 (International Terminal), Melbourne Airport, telephone 9297 1600, between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
According to Melbourne Airport, they will now be turning the plans into reality. This will include investing over $1 billion in the next two years. This work alone will create over 3,000 construction jobs and ongoing employment opportunities. Over the next 20 years the Airport will invest $10 billion into upgrading facilities. This investment will strengthen Melbourne Airport’s role as the gateway to Victoria and create employment and economic benefits to the local region and Victoria more broadly.
It is important to note that while the vision for the future has been approved, major projects will require further planning approval. One of the major developments outlined in the Master Plan is the third-runway. The planning process for this specific project will begin shortly.
More information is available via the following link:
http://melbourneairport.com.au/News-Events/Listing/Overview/melbourne-airport-welcomes-approval-of-master-plan.html