Essendon Airport to stay open says Federal Government - Local News - News | Moonee Valley Leader
Essendon Airport to stay open says Federal Government
ESSENDON Airport will remain open despite community pressure to close it.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese approved the controversial master plan for Essendon Airport last Friday.
``I have advised Essendon Airport management that the Government has no current plans to close the airport or relax the curfew,’’ Mr Albanese said.
``Essendon Airport is important for general aviation and supports valuable emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Air Ambulance Victoria and the Victoria Police Air Wing.’’
Member for Wills Kelvin Thomson said he was ``disappointed’’ by the decision. ``Essendon Airport is past its use-by date as an airport,’’ Mr Thomson said.
``It is surrounded by built-up, long-established residential communities from all sides, flight approaches and take-offs.’’
Close Essendon Airport Campaign group member and Niddrie resident Helen van den Berg told the Leader last month neighbours should not have to ``live in a noisy environment with aviation gas pollution’’. ``We stand by our right to live in a clean, safe environment,’’ Ms van den Berg said.
Mr Albanese acknowledged community concern and promised to establish a working group ``to examine and report on the impact of aircraft movements and how aircraft noise can be better managed’’.
Save Essendon Airport Campaign member Kevin McGowan said it was the right decision. ``Essendon Airport really is a vital piece of infrastructure for the state of Victoria .’’