CitationJet
19th Sep 2008, 02:29
VIC COALITION LAUNCHES ESSENDON AIRPORT PETITION
The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has today launched a petition calling on the Brumby Labor Government to abandon its plan to close Essendon Airport.
Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said Essendon Airport was an important asset used by numerous aviation businesses, the Victorian Air Ambulance, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Victoria Police Air Wing.
“Many in the Victorian community were shocked earlier this month when Premier John Brumby confirmed that it was Labor’s policy to close Essendon Airport,” said Mr Ryan.
“Mr Brumby’s statement that Labor will seek to close the airport ‘in the medium-term’ was alarming news for the aviation community that uses the facility and for workers who are currently employed there.
“It also came as a shock for country and regional communities, who rely on Essendon Airport as a vital transit point in and out of Melbourne.
“Since breaking the news of this Labor policy I have received many calls from members of the wider community concerned about the implications of closing this important facility.
“In particular, many are concerned about removing an asset that provides an important and strategically located base for emergency services such as the Victorian Air Ambulance, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Victoria Police Air Wing.
“We have launched a petition today to enable people to send a message to the Labor Government that the closure of Essendon Airport is just not on.
“I would encourage all those who are concerned about this proposal to stop into the office of their local Coalition MP, sign the petition and register their objection to Labor’s plan.”
Mr Ryan said Labor’s policy was all about making a quick buck.
“There is no doubt many developers would be keen on getting their hands on the significant parcel of land that is Essendon Airport,” said Mr Ryan.
“However just because there are some who advocate the closure of the airport does not mean the Victorian Government should simply sell off an important state asset to the highest bidder.
“Labor’s plan to close Essendon Airport is short-sighted and a disgrace,” Mr Ryan said.
Nb: Petitions are available to sign at the office of your nearest Liberal or Nationals MP.
The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has today launched a petition calling on the Brumby Labor Government to abandon its plan to close Essendon Airport.
Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said Essendon Airport was an important asset used by numerous aviation businesses, the Victorian Air Ambulance, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Victoria Police Air Wing.
“Many in the Victorian community were shocked earlier this month when Premier John Brumby confirmed that it was Labor’s policy to close Essendon Airport,” said Mr Ryan.
“Mr Brumby’s statement that Labor will seek to close the airport ‘in the medium-term’ was alarming news for the aviation community that uses the facility and for workers who are currently employed there.
“It also came as a shock for country and regional communities, who rely on Essendon Airport as a vital transit point in and out of Melbourne.
“Since breaking the news of this Labor policy I have received many calls from members of the wider community concerned about the implications of closing this important facility.
“In particular, many are concerned about removing an asset that provides an important and strategically located base for emergency services such as the Victorian Air Ambulance, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Victoria Police Air Wing.
“We have launched a petition today to enable people to send a message to the Labor Government that the closure of Essendon Airport is just not on.
“I would encourage all those who are concerned about this proposal to stop into the office of their local Coalition MP, sign the petition and register their objection to Labor’s plan.”
Mr Ryan said Labor’s policy was all about making a quick buck.
“There is no doubt many developers would be keen on getting their hands on the significant parcel of land that is Essendon Airport,” said Mr Ryan.
“However just because there are some who advocate the closure of the airport does not mean the Victorian Government should simply sell off an important state asset to the highest bidder.
“Labor’s plan to close Essendon Airport is short-sighted and a disgrace,” Mr Ryan said.
Nb: Petitions are available to sign at the office of your nearest Liberal or Nationals MP.