Airport changes on radar for Essendon

JET aircraft with engines as loud as 90 decibels will be allowed to land at Essendon Airport in the middle of the night, if suggested Federal Government changes are accepted.

A community forum about the changes will be held next week. Picture: Brendan Ranke

LARGE jet aircraft with engines as loud as 90 decibels will be permitted to land on the tarmac at Essendon Airport after 11pm if suggested changes made by the Federal Government are accepted.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is looking to make several changes to Air Navigation Regulations for Essendon Airport.

These changes include banning non-emergency helicopters and other propeller driven aircraft from operating between curfew hours of 11pm and 6am.

Other changes include allowing larger jet aircraft to land at the airport outside of curfew hours, and allowing jet aircraft with a noise level no greater than 90 decibels to land during curfew.

Chris Cowan, CEO of Essendon Airport, believes the proposed changes will result in less noise from the airport and fewer aircraft movements.

“The proposed changes to the curfew simply remove red tape which restricts efficient airport operations,” Mr Cowan said.

“The changes would also bring an end to the current practice of Essendon operators sometimes needing to divert to Melbourne Airport during curfew hours and then bring their aircraft to Essendon the next day.

“We believe the changes will result in less noise and fewer aircraft movements.’’

The public has until October 10 to respond to the proposals.

Federal Labor MP for Wills, Peter Khalil, said the timing of the decision was concerning for the community.

“The concerns I have are twofold, there’s a lack of time for local residents to look at this in a considered way,” Mr Khalil said.

“This is going to effect residents in Airport West and Strathmore Heights. We’re not convinced these changes are good for local residents.”

Mr Khalil is teaming up with state Labor MPs Danny Pearson and Ben Carroll to host a community forum at the end of September.

The Labor members are hitting back at the proposed changes, claiming the public have not been given sufficient time to consider the amendments.

“These are changes that the community need to be advised about, and I’d encourage all community members to make a submission,” Mr Pearson said.

Mayor of Moonee Valley, Cr Andrea Surace, said given the short notice for public consultation, the council was still reviewing the proposed changes.

“However, we would not support any changes which would adversely affect our residents,” Cr Surace said.

She confirmed council would be making a submission.

The Leader has approached Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher for comment.

Submissions can be made until October 10 by emailing [e-mail]

For more information go to infrastructure.gov.au

The community forum hosted by Mr Khalil will be held at the Strathmore Heights Community Hall on September 28 from 6.30pm.

PLANNED CHANGES

— Larger aircraft will be permitted to land during the day, and jet aircraft as loud as 90 decibels landing after 11pm.

— Permitted weight of jet aircraft raised from 45,000kgs to 55,000kgs.

— Larger jets are now, on average, between 48-53,000kg, with greater fuel efficiency and improved noise profiles than older aircraft.

— Essendon Airport provides 42 regional passenger services, with the aim to increase this to 60 per week by October 2017.

— If the weight restrictions for aircraft is increased, more regional services and business services would be able to operate out of the airport.

— As of October 2017, the airport will see more than 90,000 passengers each year, using a combination of corporate jets, propeller-driven aircraft, and helicopters.

— An aircraft weighing 50,000kg — such as a Boeing 717-200 — has a takeoff noise level of 89db, and a landing noise level of 92.1db.

— One of the proposed amendments would allow jet aircraft with a maximum noise level of 90db to land at Essendon Airport between 11pm and 6am.

— According to Worksafe Victoria, 90db is a noise level similar to lawn mowing or welding and sounds louder than 85db are considered potentially damaging.

— An additional measure proposed by Essendon Airport would see an annual cap of 100 movements of non-emergency aircraft during curfew, a reduction from 120 each year. There is currently no cap on propeller movements.