Saving Essendon

Essendon Airport has been serving regional and metropolitan Victoria successfully for over 85 years, but Premier John Brumby has stated in the Victorian parliament that he wishes to close the airport in the “medium term”.

So the recent announcement by the federal transport minister, Anthony Albanese, to approve the Essendon Airport 20 year master plan is to be applauded and reinforces the paucity of the Victorian government position. The airport is a gold-plated piece of aviation infrastructure which will serve Victorians and the wider Australian community for many years to come. It also offers sound opportunities for non-aviation light industry as well as retail, as long as these new businesses don’t infringe on the core aviation activities.