Hume Residents Airport Action Group to take Melbourne Airport third runway fight to Premier and Planning Minister

A LOBBY group opposed to a planned east-west airstrip at Melbourne Airport has enacted its “fight or flight” response, with plans to take their concerns higher.

Qantas

A LOBBY group battling a proposed third runway at Melbourne Airport has enacted its “fight or flight” response, with plans to take their concerns higher.

Hume Residents Airport Action Group secretary Frank Rivoli said they wanted to meet with the Premier and Planning Minister over the potential health and noise impacts of a third runway.

RELATED: Gladstone Park residents making noise over Melbourne Airport’s third runway plan.

RELATED: Avalon Airport ready to share air traffic with Tullamarine amid residents’ runway concerns.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you support Melbourne Airport’s planned third runway? Tell us below.

The proposed east-west airstrip, part of Melbourne Airport’s 2013 master plan, has caused a furore among residents in Gladstone Park and Westmeadows, who claim it would lead to increased noise, pollution and sleep disruption.

Any third runway would likely start operating between 2018-22, pending approval by the Federal Government through a major development plan (MDP).

As well as seeking State Government support, the group last year sought backing from Calwell federal Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou, who they hoped would raise the issue in Parliament.

“That’s where it’s going to be resolved,” Mr Rivoli said

“Unfortunately people who are not involved view this (as just a noise concern).

“It’s more than noise — it’s a health problem. It will lead to higher risk of blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. For residents here it means they will be subject to sleep distractions.”

In 2014, Mr Rivoli suggested the soaring traffic could instead be catered for at Avalon Airport, which chief executive Justin Giddings agreed on at the time.

He said they weren’t ready to give up and that constituents deserved an explanation.

“A lot of people … they don’t get engaged because they think it’s a done deal; they’re a bit despondent because they don’t see any prospect of a resolution,” he said.

“Then there’s (the) hardened lot like us. We’re going to give it our best shot and advocate for the community.”

Hume councillor Geoff Porter said residents’ concerns needed to be understood so an informed decision could be made.

But according to the State Government, it does not have a direct role regarding the third runway.

Ms Vamvakinou said she was aware of residents’ many views and would keep seeking briefings from the airport and different levels of government.

A spokesman for Federal Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss said the views of the community and other stakeholders would be assessed as part of the MDP consultation process, with the plan to include an assessment of environmental and other impacts.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said they were still working through the technical study phase of the runway program.