[Peetwo]

Dots-n-dashes on DFO approval process investigation??

Doing my usual weekly trolling of the severely convoluted, user unfriendly Popinjay ATSB website for updates - I happened to refer to the AI-2018-010: Aerodrome design changes and the Bulla Road Precinct development at Essendon Fields Airport, Melbourne, Victoria. Despite the promise of...

"..An update on timing for completion of the investigation will be provided at the start of 2023 after the ATSB has been able to complete necessary engagements with Australian and international DIPs..." 

...there is still no updates?? - Yet another broken promise by Popinjay..

However as a sidebar, I did happen to come across an interesting link to a AusALPA submission to the Essendon Fields Airport operator in the lead up to the 2019 pdMP: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...tation.pdf

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Since that submission the 2019 pdMP has been deferred twice with the latest update referring to the miniscule asking for more information: ref - https://ef.com.au/about-us/master-plan/

A review of the current 2013 Master Plan is underway, as required by the Airports Act 1996.

In 2019 Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) advertised a preliminary version of its draft Master Plan (dMP) 2019 which was available for public consultation from April to July 2019. The EAPL dMP had been prepared based on information at the time that Melbourne Airport’s proposed third runway would be oriented east-west.

In November 2019 Melbourne Airport announced that their third runway would be built in a north-south orientation, and in response to uncertainties about how these changed plans might impact air traffic movements at Essendon Fields, the EAPL dMP 2019 was subsequently withdrawn, and an extension granted by the Minister.

Melbourne Airport’s draft Master Plan 2022 has been approved. However, the Third Runway Major Development Plan (M3R MDP) is still being evaluated and is yet to be determined by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon. Catherine King.

EAPL recently wrote to the Minister requesting a further extension of time to submit the EAPL dMP, noting the continued uncertainty regarding how a north-south oriented third runway at Melbourne will impact users of Essendon Fields Airport and the surrounding community.

On this basis, a further extension of time until 31 January 2025 has been granted by the Minister, which will allow EAPL to update all plans, including the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast, and consult with stakeholders in consideration of the M3R MDP once it has been determined by the Minister.

The decision by the Minister to grant this further extension is is an important and fair outcome for the community because the updated EAPL dMP 2025 will be based on the most up-to-date information and be more accurate in its forecasts. We are grateful for the continued collaborative and constructive approach taken by the Minister and key personnel at DITRDC in delivering this outcome for the community.

We expect that public consultation for EAPL’s revised dMP 2024 will commence in Q3 2024. In the meantime, the 2013 Master Plan remains in effect.

In the context of the AusALPA submission, I note that there was a reference to a 2008, 2 part ATSB research report: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/665.pdf & https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...rsions.pdf 

In light of the now five year (consistently delayed) AI-2018-010 investigation, the above may help to explain (along with an outstanding Coroner's inquest and Texan Lawyers) why it is that this investigation seems to be stuck in a constant time-warp loop?? - IE They don't want to have to demolish the DFO! 

MTF...P2