The Victorian government has confirmed its support for Essendon Airport in the wake of the Preliminary Draft Management Plan (PDMP) released today.
Minister for the Aviation Industry Gordon Rich-Phillips said the airport has an important role in Victoria and that the aviation infrastructure needed to be maintained.
“The Coalition Government is fully supportive of Essendon Airport continuing, with all its key aviation infrastructure such as runways and aprons being maintained at current levels,” he said.
“Essendon Airport provides vital access to Melbourne for regional Victoria, supports advanced pilot training, and is the base for the Police Air Wing, Air Ambulance and corporate aviation. Importantly, Essendon Airport also relieves air traffic congestion at Melbourne Airport.
“The Coalition Government welcomes the release of the Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2013 and will make a comprehensive response to the developments and ideas outlined in the Essendon Airport Draft Preliminary Master Plan during the consultation period."
However, Rich-Phillips singled-out the intent of Essendon Airport Proprietary Limited (EAPL) to conduct a study to shorten runway 17/35, reiterating the Government's position that infrastructure not be reduced.
“Any reduction in runway length or other capacity would not be supported by the Coalition Government. Airports like Essendon are irreplaceable, and it is important that pieces of key infrastructure like runways are protected, maintained and not allowed to be eroded piece by piece," he said.
The PDMP outlines the airport's vision and development plans going out to 2013, and includes the concession that single- and twin-engined traffic will decrease during that period thanks to competition from Melbourne's many fringe airports, but jet, turbo-prop and helicopter traffic is likely to rise.
Also included in the non-aviation development is the idea that a hospital should be built on the airport grounds.
The full PDMP is available from the Essendon Airport website.