Operators at Moorabbin are taking heart from the 20-year airport Master Plan, saying that it confirms the airport will be around for a long time regardless of attempts by the wider community to restrict operations. By Steve Hitchen.
The Master Plan was accepted by Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese on July 6, paving the way for Moorabbin Airport Corporation (MAC) to get on with cementing the airport’s place in the aviation infrastructure.
MAC General Manager Phil McConnell said airport management and the Federal Government were on the same wavelength regarding the future of the airport.
“We are committed to the long term development of Moorabbin Airport as a vibrant aviation centre, and the Minister’s approval of our 20-year Master Plan shows that the Federal Government shares this aim,” he said.
But in approving the plan, the Minister placed significant emphasis on improving consultation with stakeholders outside aviation.
“The Airport will establish a new Planning Coordination Forum which brings together representatives from neighbouring councils and the Victorian Government to make sure its future developments are more consistent with local planning and take into account the capacity of the surrounding road infrastructure,” Albanese said.
The Master Plan paves way for projects such as:
- Possible RPT operations using regional jets on an extended runway (not likely in the near term);
- Additional aviation infrastructure such as hangars, maintenance facilities and parking bays, as well as providing for engineering and avionics businesses;
- Upgrading runways, taxiways and terminal aprons; and
- Installing better storm water drainage and new water storage facilities.
Albanese also directed MAC to participate in a working group to assess whether modifications to the existing training circuits would further reduce noise and improve safety.
Stuart Rushton, President of long-term Moorabbin tenant Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC), was upbeat when Australian Flying spoke to him.
"The Master Plan reinforces the original intent of the Commonwealth lease, that the airport be retained for aviation purposes," he said. "This is good news for RVAC as it means we have at least another 20 years tenure at Moorabbin.
"There will always be people who want to change things; who want to move training away from Moorabbin. The Master Plan reaffirms that it’s here to stay. Certainly it is a document we can work with."