Moonee Valley Council questions proposed changes to curfew at Essendon Airport
A COUNCIL in Melbourne’s northwest is calling for more information to be provided to the public before proposed changes to the curfew at Essendon Airport are approved.
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MOONEE Valley Council is calling for more information to be provided to the public before proposed changes to the curfew at Essendon Airport are approved.
Several councillors said the changes had been thrust upon an unsuspecting community that “don’t understand what the changes to weight limits actually mean”.
Speaking at a council meeting last week, Moonee Valley Mayor Andrea Surace said while there were some positives in the proposal, further assessment was required.
RELATED: Airport changes on radar for Essendon
“We are highly supportive of the proposal to stop non-emergency helicopters and propeller-driven aircraft to operate during the curfew and are calling on the Department (of Infrastructure and Regional Development) to implement this change as soon as possible,” Cr Surace said. “However, it is just one of three proposed curfew changes being put on the table and we are concerned that the department has not provided enough information for either council or the community to justify the other two amendments at this stage.”
Cr Surace also expressed concern about the proposed allowance of jet aircraft to land during the curfew period.
RELATED: Families concerned about the health and safety of airport curfew changes
Planning and Environment portfolio holder Nicole Marshall said information on aircraft weights and movements was technical and not easily accessible.
“The crux of it is … basically people don’t understand the curfew that is in place now,” Cr Marshall said. “We’re asking for some further information on some items.
“It is a very detailed topic and one not to be taken lightly.”
The federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s proposed changes would see the weight limit for jet aircraft raised from 45,000kg to 55,000kg during non-curfew hours and allow jet aircraft to land during the curfew.
The deadline for public submissions regarding the proposed changes has been extended to Tuesday, October 24.
The council has made a submission, which can be viewed at mvcc.vic.gov.au/essendonairport
To make a submission on the proposed changes, visit infrastructure.gov.au
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