A NEED for more regulation for private airports will form part of Kingston Council’s submission to the federal government’s aviation policy review.
Kingston councillors agreed to make a submission to the review at a meeting this month. In a statement it said that it will call for stronger requirements for consultation with airport businesses during master plan processes, more investment in airport facilities, protections for neighbouring homes from tall buildings, and stronger regulation over privately-run airports.
The submission comes on the heels of a period of tension between Kingston Council and the privately-run Moorabbin Airport.
Earlier this year, a new masterplan was approved for the Moorabbin Airport. Kingston Council publicly claimed the process had not featured enough consultation and was not transparent. Moorabbin Airport CEO Paul Ferguson said, “through the master plan process, we held in excess of 300 consultations, and continue to meet with customers through safety forums, individual meetings and through the community aviation consultation group which is held quarterly and open to community bodies and government agencies by invitation, including the City of Kingston.” (“Airport neighbours ‘left in the dark’ – mayor” The News 30/8/23).
Kingston councillor Tracey Davies said council’s priorities were formed with the help of affected businesses. “We are pleased that the minister’s review of aviation has commenced and hope it results in critical changes to ensure the rights of aviation businesses, neighbouring homes, and critical safety issues are properly addressed through updated policies,” she said.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 29 November 2023