Consultation for the Melbourne Airport Noise Sharing Plan has begun, with residents and interested stakeholders across Melbourne invited to provide feedback on how the three-runway layout can be used to manage aircraft noise.

The Noise Sharing Plan will consider different operating modes – variations in how the runways are used – to share aircraft noise outside of peak periods and when weather conditions allow, once the airport’s third runway opens in 2031. The plan is being developed by independent consultants Trax and GHD and is a key condition of the Federal Government’s approval of the third runway.

Community feedback is being sought to identify preferences for when and how communities across Melbourne could experience breaks from aircraft noise. Feedback can be provided via an online survey or by attending in-person sessions scheduled at a variety of locations across the city.

Melbourne Airport Third Runway Executive Director Peter Lellyett said community input will play a vital role in shaping the plan.

“We know aircraft noise is a key issue for local residents. The Noise Sharing Plan will balance operational efficiency with noise sharing – distributing aircraft noise over different areas during off-peak periods at different times of the day and night,” he said.

“We encourage everyone interested in the third runway to provide feedback in this stage of the consultation process.”

Consultation on the draft Noise Sharing Plan is open until 8 December 2025, with information available on Melbourne Airport’s website and at upcoming community information sessions.

Preparatory works for the third runway are also progressing across the airport precinct. These early works are an essential step before main construction can begin in 2026 and include upgrades to Sunbury Road and site preparation within the future runway footprint.

As part of those works, Melbourne Airport has successfully completed two controlled blasting trials to test methods that will be used during future earthworks activities. The trials confirmed the effectiveness of the blasting techniques and communications methods with Air Traffic Control and airline stakeholders.

The third runway is scheduled to open in 2031 and will support 37,000 additional jobs by 2046, boost tourism, provide greater choice for travellers and facilitate increased exports for Victorian producers.

More information about the Noise Sharing Plan and the third runway is available at https://www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/noise-sharing-plan.