The Terms of Reference for the Australian-first Melbourne Airport Community Health Study have been approved by the Federal Government.
The approval establishes a clear framework for an independent study into the health impacts of aircraft noise associated with the operation of the new third runway in communities surrounding Melbourne Airport and represents an important milestone in delivering one of the first long-term studies of its kind at a major Australian airport.
The Community Health Study was a key condition of approval for Melbourne Airport’s third runway, which will provide additional aviation capacity for Victoria, support more efficient runway operations and strengthen long-term passenger, freight and business connectivity.
The study will establish baseline data before runway operations begin and continue with annual monitoring for 20 years.
Developed in consultation with independent experts from Deakin and Liverpool universities, the Melbourne Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group, international public health experts and community stakeholders, the Terms of Reference provide guidelines on how health outcomes associated with aircraft noise will be examined, including sleep disturbance, annoyance, mental health, cardiovascular disease, learning impacts and quality of life.
The framework provides for independent oversight and governance, baseline monitoring, annual reporting that is publicly accessible, ongoing community engagement, and the use of noise exposure and health outcome data to monitor trends over time.
Melbourne Airport Executive General Manager, Major Capital Projects Scott Cooper said the approval reinforced the project’s commitment to transparency and long-term community outcomes.
"The approval of the Terms of Reference is a significant milestone for the third runway project and for communities around Melbourne Airport,” he said.
“It establishes a clear and independent approach for a long-term study that will support a stronger understanding of how aircraft noise may affect community health over time.”
With the Terms of Reference now approved, the next step will be the appointment of a suitably qualified independent team to undertake the study.