Melbourne Airport has asked the state government for the right to block housing and other developments in areas affected by flight noise, as it fights to stop a Sydney Airport-style curfew being imposed on planes flying into Tullamarine | ClayLucas
, via the new committee, that would give it the right to intervene in any development proposal it believed would one day result in complaints about noise or amenity from residents or landowners.
Melbourne Airport asked the state for this power in 2003, but the request was rejected. Since then, the airport argues, “problematic off-airport [development] applications” have increased dramatically. Several Victorian electricity and water companies already have powers to place conditions on planning applications, or in some instances reject them outright.
Professor Buxton, an environment and planning expert, said it was outrageous so much housing had been approved by councils, the state planning tribunal and the Victorian government in areas that would be affected by flight noise. Maintaining the airport’s curfew-free status has long been an article of faith for the airport and the Victorian government. Having no curfew benefits passengers because they are always guaranteed a landing slot, while airlines prefer 24-hour access as they do not have to factor in the risk of flying to another airport.
A local resident’s group argues noise problems are already out of control and will worsen when a planned new runway is built.