By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CARDINIA Shire Council has urged residents keen to have a major international airport in the municipality to formally lodge their support as long-term infrastructure plans are being considered for the state.
A newly released document, Infrastructure Victoria’s All Things Considered, highlights a number of possible infrastructure plans to best equip the state over the next 30 years.
One of the proposed ideas suggested in the report was the construction of a third international airport in south-east Melbourne – likely at the World War II fighter base and air strip in Monomeith or Lang Lang.
The plan already has strong endorsement by council – and they are now seeking support by residents to push the idea through.
At this stage, the report found the south-east airport concept had merit, but had not yet been fully developed for proper planning assessment.
Previous planning reports have anticipated more than five million airline passengers would be able to get up and away annually from the 20-gate airport if approved.
Plan Melbourne estimated the airport would cost $5 billion, create 110,000 additional jobs as well as unlock more than 5500 acres of ‘employment land’.
It is one of three planning concepts that council will endorse from the Infrastructure Victoria report, according to a spokesperson.
Submissions by residents will be assessed by two juries – from metropolitan and regional Victoria – in August, and the final 30-year infrastructure strategy will be presented in parliament by the end of the year.
To make a submission, visit http://yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/submissions-page.
