Airport no flight of fancy

A LEADING community group for Gippsland has renewed calls for a third airport based in the south-east.
The Committee for Gippsland has responded to the State Government’s discussion paper ‘Melbourne Let’s Talk About the Future’ by calling for the airport to reduce road congestion.
Committee for Gippsland Chief Executive Officer Mary Aldred said Gippsland and the south-east were ideally placed to provide the alternative.
“Over the next two decades, Australia’s freight task will double, public transport usage will increase by one-third, international passenger movements through Australia’s capital cities will almost triple,” Ms Aldred said.
“To keep ahead of our nearest competitors, Victoria has to maintain its advantage through airport capacity, and with road congestion issues impacting on Melbourne Airport into the future, we need to start thinking about a third option.”
The Committee for Gippsland believes airports play an important role in sustaining regional competitiveness and enhancing economic activity.
“For Gippsland and the south-east to meet its ambition of developing as a national food hub, improve its productivity, and enhance employment and higher education participation, a domestic airport in the region is required,” said the Committee for Gippsland’s submission to the discussion paper.
“Victoria would be able to leverage off the productivity and economic growth opportunities that a third major airport would offer, putting the state at an economic advantage and destination of choice for business and tourism, with Gippsland set to benefit the most,” Ms Aldred said.
The submission said an airport for the region could help service a growing population of more than two and a half million people, could generate around 8000 direct jobs, and present opportunities for the region’s economy.
An airport would also complement existing infrastructure links, such as the Port of Hastings development.