When the Federal Government approved Melbourne Airport’s third runway in September 2024, it attached specific conditions that the airport must address, including a noise mitigation plan for local communities.
To meet this condition, Melbourne Airport is developing a Noise Amelioration Plan. In this context, ‘amelioration’ means specific actions taken to reduce the impacts of aircraft noise in indoor settings.
The Plan focuses on eligible homes and buildings in the Hume and Brimbank neighbourhoods closest to the airport, where increased aircraft noise impacts are forecast.
What is the Noise Amelioration Plan?
The Noise Amelioration Plan will set out the rules, standards and processes that govern how the associated works will be carried out, before any delivery of noise treatment initiatives can begin.
Under the approval conditions, the Noise Amelioration Plan must clearly describe the objectives of the program, how community engagement is carried out, how assessments and delivered are overseen, how complaints are managed, and how progress is reported.
The draft Plan will be submitted it to the Federal Government for approval in late 2026. Once approved, the Noise Amelioration Program will be offered to eligible properties. The Program will be available until 2038, but we’ll encourage participants to register early so that work can be done ASAP and before the new runway opens in 2031.
What Noise Treatments Could be Included?
The Noise Amelioration Program focuses on reducing the impacts of aircraft noise within eligible homes and buildings. It considers how noise enters a structure and what can be done to reduce noise levels indoors.
In practical terms, this involves targeted building upgrades to reduce noise levels. Depending on the building, these upgrades may include:
Soundproofing measures, such as door and window seals
Solid-core doors and enclosed eaves
Roof insulation to reduce noise transmission from above
Double-glazed windows
Mechanical ventilation systems to support quieter indoor conditions.
Once an eligible home or building owner opts into the Noise Amelioration Program, Melbourne Airport will make an appointment to conduct a site inspection and recommend suitable treatment options. Owners will make the final decision about whether the works take place.
It’s important to remember that while noise amelioration measures can significantly reduce aircraft noise, they don’t eliminate it. There is an Australian Standard (AS2021:2015) that sets noise level objectives for new-build construction in areas significantly affected by aircraft noise. This Standard also defines this project’s objectives for treating indoor spaces.
Who is Likely to be Eligible?
Eligibility under the Noise Amelioration Plan will be determined using the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast. Also referred to as the ANEF, the forecast works like a noise map and shows how much aircraft noise an area is expected to get over time – and in this case, it takes into account the third runway being operational. It gives a standardised rating that helps planners, councils and residents understand and compare aircraft noise levels.
A building is likely to be eligible if it meets all the following:
It’s located within the ANEF 25+ noise contour
It’s a residential home or public building that provides services such as childcare, healthcare, education or aged care
It was built under a planning approval issued before 14 November 2022
It’s not restricted by a State planning law (e.g. heritage overlay)
It’s not already compliant with AS2021:2015.
When will the Noise Amelioration Program Start and How Long Will It Run?
The delivery of the Noise Amelioration Program will start once it has been approved by the Federal Government. Based on the current timeline, we expect to submit the Plan for approval in late 2026, following further community consultation and finalisation.
If a property is eligible, owners and occupiers will be contacted directly. While we encourage early enrolment, noise amelioration works will be available for a minimum of 12 years.
Stay Informed and Have Your Say on the Noise Amelioration Plan
We share the latest information about timing and next steps on our Major Projects Hub, where you can also find fact sheets, explainer videos and opportunities to have your say on the Noise Amelioration Plan.
If you have a question about the Noise Amelioration Plan, you can contact the project team directly at napp@melair.com.au.
Stay up to date on the Third Runway Project
The Noise Amelioration Plan and Program is just one part of a long-term approach to managing aircraft noise at Melbourne Airport. It sits alongside the Noise Sharing Plan and the Community Health Study, which look at different aspects of noise management and potential health impacts as the Third Runway Project progresses.
To keep track of how this work progresses, you can check the latest fact sheets, sign up for updates, or get in touch with our team directly at newrunway@melair.com.au.