The need

Melbourne’s existing airports are approaching their maximum capacity and are located to the west of the city. It is essential that planning begins now on a new international gateway for freight and passengers.

Unless planning starts now, Melbourne will not be prepared for when our current airports become outdated and congested in coming decades.

An airport in this location would boost exports by cutting travel time and costs for manufacturers and agricultural producers in Melbourne and Gippsland, growing the economy. Congestion across the city would be slashed as an alternative export option opens up with an existing road and rail connection.

The airport will create a huge number of jobs from construction to operation and will provide a convenient, local option for travellers from the south east of Melbourne.

The plan

Council will undertake a business case to outline the opportunities for private investment in a new international airport located in Cardinia Shire.

Along with appropriate planning protections, this will encourage private development of the new airport over time.

Benefits to the community

Melbourne’s existing airports are all located in the west and north of the city. Residents of Cardinia Shire and the wider south east deserve equal access and our shire is home to prime land that can be dedicated to this project.

Locals will have airport travel times cut by over an hour and an existing rail connection allows for easier access in future.

The major benefits will be economic, with hundreds of jobs being created in the construction and operation of the airport.

There will also be a flow on economic effect as Cardinia Shire becomes an ideal location for businesses taking advantage of the airport.

The airport will be privately-funded and operated, meaning taxpayers are not directly involved in its construction or operation. However, Council is seeking government investment to kick-start this project by delivering a business case to show the potential to investors.