Noise Sharing Plan

Victoria’s population is growing, and Melbourne Airport’s new parallel north-south runway is necessary to support the long-term increase in passengers, freight and aircraft movements. By 2042, more than 76 million passengers are expected to use Melbourne Airport each year. The additional runway will support this growth, but it will also result in some parts of Melbourne experiencing new or changed aircraft noise. 

When aircraft noise impacts for the third runway were first modelled in the Third Runway Major Development Plan, they focused primarily on use of the two north-south runways. Now, because of this approval condition, the Noise Sharing Plan will explore runway operating modes that also include the existing east-west runway, to help to share aircraft noise more evenly. 

Noise Sharing Plans are not about equal distribution of flights over all affected communities, but about managing aircraft noise in a way that provides communities with periods of respite and supports community wellbeing. 

Some areas will experience aircraft noise for the first time, and others will experience more than they currently have – but efforts will be made to share that noise. 

The conditions of approval for the third runway require that Melbourne Airport appoint independent aviation and community engagement consultants to prepare the Noise Sharing Plan. 

Consultants Trax and GHD have been appointed to deliver the Noise Sharing Plan. Trax and GHD have extensive experience working on airspace design and engagement for aviation projects in Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as on major infrastructure Projects. 

The Noise Sharing Plan will take into account both historical and forecast flight and aircraft noise patterns, based on the flight paths outlined in Melbourne Airport’s Third Runway Major Development Plan. 

In addition to this data, Trax and GHD will lead the engagement with stakeholders and the broader community to inform the plan. Stakeholders include but are not limited to: 

• Local communities 

• Relevant local councils 

• Victorian Department of Transport and Planning 

• Essendon Fields Airport and other airports in the Melbourne Basin 

• Airlines and operator groups 

• Airservices Australia, which manages airspace and flight path design and air traffic control 

• Groups with a special interest and knowledge in airspace design 

Community members will be asked to provide feedback on how runways are used during off-peak periods. This involves technical information, so resources will be provided to help people understand these modes and provide informed feedback. 

There will be both online and face-to-face opportunities from late 2025 to learn more about the Noise Sharing Plan project and provide feedback, as well as written and digital communications.  

Community input will play a key role in shaping the Noise Sharing Plan. Community will be asked to provide feedback on how runways are used during off-peak periods. 

While community input is highly valued, certain aspects of airport operations – such as flight paths, altitude and timing – are governed by safety regulations and weather conditions. These factors must take priority to ensure safe and efficient air travel. 

Community will also have the chance to review the draft Noise Sharing Plan before it is submitted to the Federal Government for approval. 

Following consultation, the draft Noise Sharing Plan requires endorsement by Airservices Australia before being submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government for review and approval. 

The Noise Sharing Plan will be developed over a two-year period. 

• Late 2025: Phase 1 - gather feedback on runway modes, flight paths and noise sharing 

• Early 2026: Trax and GHD review feedback and prepare the draft Noise Sharing Plan 

• Mid-late 2026: Phase 2 - public consultation on the draft Noise Sharing Plan 

• Early 2027: Draft Noise Sharing Plan is submitted for approval to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 

While both plans relate to aircraft noise, they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects of managing aircraft noise impacts. 

• The Noise Sharing Plan is about how aircraft noise is shared across different communities through the selection of runways and operating modes. Outputs from the Noise Sharing Plan will also define the noise models that will shape the boundaries for the Noise Amelioration Plan. 

• The Noise Amelioration Plan is about treating buildings that are most affected by aircraft noise. This typically includes fitting noise insulation treatments like double-glazing or acoustic insulation in homes, schools, childcare facilities and health centres in zones of eligibility. 

If you have questions about the Noise Sharing Plan, you can contact us: 

Email: newrunway@melair.com.au 

Phone: (03) 9297 1597 

You can also directly contact the independent consultants leading the development and engagement process: 

• Trax: info@traxasiapacific.com.au 

• GHD: engagement@ghd.com