Ruling on Essendon Airport up in air
Anna Prytz
07Jul08
Close Essendon Airport campaigners.
PUBLIC outcry calling for the closure of Essendon Airport is reaching fever pitch but a Federal Government announcement is not expected to be made for at least six weeks.
Members of the Close Essendon Airport Campaign (CEAC) gathered at Niddrie Community Hub last month to discuss the continuing use and proposed expansion of the airport.
More than 100 people attended the meeting, all demanding the immediate closure of the airport.
CEAC member Helen van den Berg said residents were fed up.
"This has been an issue for a long time. The increased noise pollution and fumes over homes must stop," Ms van den Berg said.
"In August 2001, we had a rally and shadow minister for transport at the time, Martin Ferguson, said unequivocally that the airport did not need to be open and would in fact close.
"We want to know Government aren't going to go back on this pledge by approving the new master plan, which would worsen the problems."
Despite the pressure of the group's requests, a date for the Government decision regarding the Essendon Airport's Master Plan remains elusive.
Transport Minister Anthony Albanese received the airport's submission but a late State Government submission has drawn out a decision.
"The Victorian Government handed their submission in late so now we're awaiting the airport's response to this," said Mr Albanese's spokesman, Jeff Singleton.
"Once we receive their response, the clock starts again and the minister will have 50 working days to either approve or reject it," Mr Singleton said.
Ms van den Berg said that, no matter what the outcome of the Federal decision, CEAC and other parties would not stop fighting.