Airport growth unlimited?
ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey has today voiced concerns about the Canberra Airport�s plans for unlimited growth � and called for a curfew on night time flights.
�I think Canberra people are just getting a handle on what we can expect if the airport expansion proceeds as planned� Dr Foskey said today.
�In addition to planned 24 hour operations with a plane arriving or departing every two minutes (which is likely to result in noise sharing all over Canberra), the airport is still expanding its shops and offices with little or no regard to the rest of Canberra.�
�Of course Canberra Airport doesn�t need to have its plans approved by the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) or even the National Capital Authority (NCA).�
�And up until now, the Commonwealth Department of Transport, the only relevant authority, hasn�t been interested in how airport development will affect our broader community.�
�Perhaps the Labor Government will look more closely at airport expansion, which is a problem around the country, and even � with luck � pursue a national sustainable transport plan.�
�Meanwhile, it is commendable that the Canberra Airport has released its draft master plan. Unfortunately, it is not required to take on board any response Canberra people might have.�
�Clearly it�s now up to local groups to begin a campaign for a curfew and to put some limits on the Canberra Airport�s planned expansion� Dr Foskey said.
