Last month’s exclusive report on residents banding together to form Fight the Flight path.By VANESSA VALENZUELA
KEILOR residents are backing a decision to make Avalon Airport the state’s second international airport, with hopes the new terminal will reduce the amount of planes flying over Brimbank.
Concerned members of Fight the Flight path are calling on the State Government to stop the expansion of Melbourne Airport and focus on Avalon Airport to meet growing demand for air travel.
Residents teamed up earlier this year to lobby against the Melbourne Airport expansion plans that would see a second flight path over Brimbank.
Fight the Flight path was formed to oppose the construction of a third and fourth runway which they believe will have a significant impact on surrounding communities.
Keilor resident Christian McLean said the group would continue to fight against the planned expansion with fears the development will lead to an increase in noise, air pollution and traffic.
“It’s going to actually destroy the community because it will be unbearable to live within the area,” Mr McLean said.
“Now that there’s a second option, Victoria should be the first state in Australia to gain a competitive advantage and develop two airports, as opposed to overdeveloping one airport that we see is past its use by date and can’t handle any extra traffic.”
Fight the Flight path member Marc Fiala, who has lived in Keilor for more than 30 years, said the group felt there had not been enough consultation with the community regarding the expansion.
“It’s really good for economic growth and jobs however without appropriate planning and without enough community consultation, we have some concerns and want to make sure that both Avalon as the new airport, and Melbourne airport, are involved with the community.”
A spokesperson from Melbourne Airport said a master plan was prepared every five years and previous plans had always shown an additional north-south or east-west runway.
A decision about the preferred orientation for the third runway has not yet been made, and that master plan will be available for public comment early next year.
Fight the Flight path will hold a community meeting at the Keilor Sports Club on Sunday 25 November.
For more information visit www.fighttheflighpath.org.au
