Melbourne Airport releases preliminary draft master plan

Australia's Melbourne Tullamarine Airport released (20-May-2013) its preliminary draft Master Plan covering development until 2033, when the airport expects to handle 64 million passengers p/a. The plan includes a proposed 3000m third runway to meet capacity demand, a long-term road solution including an elevated loop road, an environment strategy to address issues associated with the airport's operations and planned development, ground transport upgrades including a proposed rail link and protection of communities surrounding the airport through state and local planning policies and controls to land-use and development. The plan also includes updated Australian Noise Exposure Forecasts (ANEF) contours showing areas affected by aircraft noise and the airport developed an online tool to show forecast aircraft noise. The plan will be submitted to Australia's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport for approval following a 60-day public consultation process. Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said, "The draft Master Plan highlights the economic and social importance of Melbourne Airport and how its future growth will continue to drive the Victorian economy, including more than doubling spending by interstate and international visitors from $8.5 billion to $18 billion by 2033; growing the number of jobs directly related to airport operations from more than 14,000 now to 23,000; and more than doubling the airport's contribution to Gross State Product from $1.47 billion to $3.2 billion over the next couple of decades." [more - original PR]