Moorabbin Airport Master Plan approved

I have taken the decision to approve Moorabbin Airport’s next Master Plan following careful consideration and within the provisions available to me under the relevant legislation.

The new Master Plan will better protect the future of general aviation in Melbourne and set the future vision for one of Australia’s busiest airports.

I acknowledge that there have been stakeholder concerns with the master planning process relating to Moorabbin Airport, particularly around community engagement and general aviation planning processes. However, the plan resolves a number of stakeholder concerns raised with the previous draft and paves a strong path for growth.

This includes by setting flight training as a strategic driver of the airport’s development plan, with student numbers set to increase from the current 1,350 to 1,800 by 2041.

It tightens land use controls to protect the core aviation precinct, confirms the airside fence on the Western apron will not be moving, and highlights Moorabbin Airport Corporation’s commitment to act to minimise environmental impact in targeting net-zero by 2050.

The plan also forecasts strong employment growth that will make a real difference for the aviation sector and region, with the current 16,500 direct and indirect jobs set to grow to 23,100 by 2029.

This new Master Plan will provide the airport community the certainty it needs to plan and invest for the long term.

An aviation and economic pillar in Melbourne’s south-east, Moorabbin Airport is renowned for its flight training and supports a range of other aviation activities – from maintenance services to charter and recreational flights.

The airport’s new Master Plan sets out a 20-year strategic vision for the airport, canvassing critical areas such as future land uses, upcoming developments, noise impacts and environmental management.

The Government is developing an Aviation White Paper, expected to be released in the first half of 2024, and is welcoming feedback on a range of aviation issues, including airport planning. A Green Paper, which is the next step in the process, is expected to be released shortly.

I look forward to seeing Moorabbin Airport continue to play a pivotal role in Australian aviation and the economy by bringing in visitors, supporting employment and offering much-needed flight training and other air services.