Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce has today rejected the 2021 preliminary draft master plan (PDMP) for Moorabbin Airport.
The PDMP, submitted to Joyce for approval by Moorabbin Airport Corporation (MAC), part of Goodman Group, envisaged the loss of more existing aviation infrastructure over the five-year life of the plan.
Rob Simpson, President of the Moorabbin Airport Chamber of Commerce Inc.n(MACCI), said his organisation was delighted with the outcome.
"MACCI believes that combined with the Australian Government recent COVID recovery plan for aviation (The Future of Australia’ Aviation Sector - Flying to Recovery), this decision by Mr Joyce sends a strong signal across Australia, that our airports are an important part of the Australian infrastructure network and that the overdevelopment of aviation sites for non-aviation, commercial purposes will not be tolerated by the Australian Government," Simpson said.
"Over the past two years, MACCI has worked closely with the Kingston City Council (KCC) to achieve the decision released today. MACCI would like to acknowledge the tireless and concerted efforts from its members and the wider aviation community and sincerely thank all involved for their support."
Kingston City Council, in which Moorabbin Airport sits, has also campaigned for the PDMP to be rejected.
"We welcome the Australian Government's refusal of the proposed masterplan and believe it sends a clear signal in support of the local aviation industry," said Kingston City mayor Councillor Steve Staikos.
"We want to see adequate space set aside around runways to ensure safety and secure a strong future for aviation businesses, plus see much tighter controls to limit commercial development near neighbouring homes.
"We believe the decision at Moorabbin Airport is an important one for Local Governments around Australia who have a strong role to play in enhancing aviation policy."
Simpson said that MACCI would soon attempt to meet with MAC to promote and expand general aviation around the airport, and continue to encourage the Department of Transport and Infrastructure to adopt a firmer stance towards the airport operators.
"Until significant, positive outcomes are achieved for general aviation, MACCI will continue to lobby the Australian Government not to renew the Goodman Group lease and for the Australian Government to develop and exhibit firm oversight into airport management around this great country," Simpson said.
The PDMP stated that 44 hectares of land would be developed for non-aviation purposes over the next eight years, leaving 40 hectares for aviation support businesses.
Several aviation companies have been evicted under the previous plan and hangars demolished, whilst several other had been given notice that they were to vacate with no suitable alternative premises being made available to them.