Melbourne residents are opposing a $1.4 billion project for Melbourne Tullamarine Airport’s (MEL) third runway, calling for the government to establish an independent committee to review the impact of noise pollution caused by construction. 

The airport revealed its plans for a third runway in November 2019 and, in February 2022, the major development plan was put on public exhibition, with a closing date of May 2022. 

The plan for the third runway, which is still underway, is to be parallel to the existing north-south runway, with an expected completion date set for 2027.

Brisbane Airport (BNE) began trialing aircraft noise reduction measures in February 2022 after the deputy prime minister and infrastructure minister, Barnaby Joyce agreed to establish an independent review of the impact of BNE’s parallel runway, opened in 2020, following noise complaints and community consultation.

Public consultation for MEL’s third runway proposal ends in mid-May 2022, with the final plan to be submitted to the federal infrastructure minister for approval next year.