It's not looking good for Essendon
This was in the news today...
ESSENDON Airport has suffered a major blow with the Brumby Government stepping up its push to transform the lucrative site.
Premier John Brumby confirmed in State Parliament that the Government wanted to close the airport.
He said it was government policy to close the site in the medium to long term but he did not say when.
He was responding to a Coalition question about Victoria's submission to a national aviation inquiry.
The submission states: "It was evident in the 1950s that Essendon Airport had already been constrained by residential development that had occurred during the early 20th century.
"Curfews at Essendon Airport have resulted and, while the airport remains operational, these need to remain."
It said the Melbourne 2030 plan recognised the airport's specialised functions "related to aviation, freight and logistics but notes that in the medium term this facility should be closed as an airport and transformed into a significant employment and residential precinct."
Opposition industry and state development spokesman Richard Dalla-Riva said the move would cost thousands of jobs.
He said the airport was an important transport hub and should be preserved.
"It's a disgraceful decision by a government that should be more worried about holding on to jobs than destroying people's livelihoods," he said.
His comments follow recent concerns in the Essendon area about the safety of the airport.
Many residents want the airport closed because of the danger of crashes.