By VANESSA VALENZUELA
THE $330 million expansion of Melbourne Airport will create more than 10,000 new jobs for Victorians by 2033, a new study has revealed.
The study into the social and economic impact of Melbourne Airport found that the airport directly supports of 14,300 jobs in Victoria and is expected to grow by more than 60 per cent to 23,000 by 2033.
Melbourne Airport currently employs more than 2,700 Brimbank residents making up 19 per cent of workers at the airport.
The report also reveals 67 per cent of people working in airport-related jobs live in Hume, Brimbank, Whittlesea, Melton, Mooney Valley, Maribyrnong and Moreland.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said many local residents recognised the importance of the airport with 87 per cent of those surveyed highlighting employment opportunities as a positive impact.
“Melbourne Airport is very proud to be part of Melbourne’s north-west community,” Mr Woodruff said.
“Our local communities should be proud of the role they play in supporting the operation of Australia’s second busiest airport which makes such a vital contribution to the economic prosperity of our city and state, and keeps Victoria connected to the rest of the world.”
The report was released less than two months after Keilor residents raised concerns about the airport’s expansion which will see a second flight path over Brimbank.
Mr Woodruff acknowledged that some residents were worried about the negative impacts from the airport expansion, such as aircraft noise and traffic congestion.
“Our draft Master Plan is an opportunity for us to inform the community about our proposed developments and discuss with the community, how we plan to manage these issues as the airport continues to grow,” Mr Woodruff said.
A public meeting to update the community of the draft Master Plan process will be held in Broadmeadows on Tuesday 20 November.
For more information about the social impact study visit www.melbourneairport.com.au/masterplan
