Up in the air

By Danny Buttler and Russell Bennett
THE push for a major airport on the eastern side of Melbourne has regained momentum.
Ongoing problems with parking, travel times and congestion at Tullamarine have led to renewed calls for an airport to be built closer to Melbourne’s major population base.
The Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) has weighed into the debate, suggesting that the State Government should consider identifying a site for a third airport to Melbourne’s south-east to serve the rapidly expanding region.
The call has been backed by local residents who believe the development of Avalon as an alternative to Tullamarine is a folly which leaves eastern suburbs residents and business out in the cold.
Possible airport sites being discussed include Tooradin, Tyabb and an old World War II airfield at Monomeith.
VECCI chief executive Mark Stone told the Gazette the State Government should secure land for an airport sooner rather than later.
Mr Stone said that with Melbourne’s population set to soar to seven million by 2050, there would be an inevitable need for an airport in the east.
“It seems to make a lot of sense,” he said.
“If we reserve a parcel of land now, we will have that buffer in place for years to come.
“We are thinking somewhere south of Pakenham and east of Cranbourne.”
Narre Warren South resident Mario Prochelle has contacted local politicians about the possibility of building an airport in the region, but received little positive feedback.
But a defiant Mr Prochelle said he would keep on fighting to create a shift in attitude towards an eastern airport.
“I saw on the news that they were thinking of doing Avalon as the second international airport for Melbourne and to me that sounded crazy,” he said.
“They would have two airports close together on the same side of town.
“These days with all the risks of terrorism, you blow the tunnel or the bridges and you have a heck of a lot of problems for people travelling, so I reckon it’s time they think of something new.”
Emerald taxi driver Barrie Hood said getting to Melbourne Airport from the east had become a nightmare.
“There are huge delays through the city, and with more and more people moving there, the traffic just gets more congested,” he said.
“Both the expense and time delay are getting out of hand … the bottlenecks on the arterials are incredible.
Federal McMillan MP Russell Broadbent, who has seen previous attempts at airports proposals floated and just as quickly shot down, said it was inevitable that a runway and terminal for passenger jets would be built on the eastern side of Melbourne.
“One day we are going to have an airport,” he said.
“But you have to remember that, around the world, the second and third airports are a long way from the city.”
Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue said the State Government had no plans to service the eastern side of Melbourne with a major airport and would instead focus on the city’s west.
“The Coalition Government is always willing to look at new infrastructure project proposals, but at present is focused on its commitments to upgrade Avalon airport,” he said.
Cardinia Shire Council has made no moves to lobby for an airport in the region, but said it would back plans to bring passenger and freight planes directly to the eastern side of Melbourne.
“We’d be supportive of the concept of having an airport out this way, but the question is where,” council spokesman Paul Dunlop said.