From the following link:
http://www.mooneevalleyleader.com.au..._mvv_news.html
Essendon Airport dogfight
Cathy Nilbett
09Jun08
ESSENDON Airport would be closed and a residential and business precinct built in its place under a submission by the State Government.
In its submission to the Essendon airport draft master plan, the Government opposed increased private aviation activity and said the plan did not consider the impact on the surrounding communities.
Strathmore resident Frank Gandolfo, whose property backs on to the airport, said the airport couldn't be closed soon enough.
A Strathmore resident for 35 years, Mr Gandolfo said the airport operators were "opportunists in it for the dollar".
"The airport was a sleepy hollow but it's waking up," Mr Gandolfo said.
"Aviation is being moved closer to people's homes and it's just gone ballistic."
Essendon Airport chief executive Tim Anderson said there was no intention to close the airport "in the near future".
Mr Anderson said he would prepare a response to the State Government's submission.
"We're obliged to keep the airport operating under federal legislation," Mr Anderson said.
"We've developed the airport and we are very committed to it."
Essendon state Labor MP Judy Maddigan said she wanted the airport closed and the Commonwealth land used for the community such as a sports ground or homes for the elderly.
Ms Maddigan said that, because the airport did not follow state or local planning policies, anything could be built there without community consultation.
"There need to be proper processes to ensure that the community is protected," Ms Maddigan said.
There are about 55,000 takeoffs and landings at Essendon Airport each year.
Domestic and international flights were moved from Essendon Airport to Melbourne Airport in 1971.
Essendon Airport was bought by the Becton and Linfox Groups for more than $22 million in 2001.
"Aviation is being moved closer to people's homes...". Funny that. I thought that over the decades the houses had actually crept up to the airport boundaries.
Thank God the State Govt doesn't run aviation.