By DANIELLE GALVIN AND NICOLE WILLIAMS
MONOMEITH could be set to soar following speculation the town could be home to Melbourne’s third major airport.
At a forum with Berwick and Beaconsfield traders last week, Premier Denis Napthine fielded questions about the possible site for an airport in the south-east with plans for an international runway.
Casey and Cardinia councillors questioned Dr Napthine about the possibility of the airport in Monomeith near Kooweerup and Caldermeade.
Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said Monomeith had been mentioned on a number of levels and was an agreeable site.
“Anywhere in the south-east that it is a suitable site and going to benefit the community the most,” she said.
“There has been some general discussion about Monomeith and I believe that’s a good spot.”
Cr Stapledon said the possible locations would have to benefit the community and provide the most minimal disruptions.
“If you think about Mornington and Frankston in the mix, the airport would benefit the whole of the south-east,” she said.
“I am pleased that the bigger picture is being looked at as well as the longer term solutions.”
An airstrip was built in town during World War II as a fighter base to protect the Melbourne and Yallourn power stations. Construction of the airstrip began in late 1942 and although four runways were planned only two gravel strips ended up being built.
Dr Napthine said at the forum that his ministers were looking at identifying land this side of Melbourne for an additional airport. He welcomed the enthusiasm from the councillors and the community members at the meeting.
“We are very guided by local community views reflected local councils,” he said.
“If local councils have ideas about the best location for the airport, it would be appreciated.
“It is important to identify that land well in advance.”
Caldermeade resident of 53 years Ken Male said the old airstrip had seen the occasional plane.
He said the plan would require a lot of land.
“There is a big probability that a lot of houses would be involved – it doesn’t affect us as we are away from it,” he said.
“A lot of the land out there is subdivided, it’s a lot more urbanised than what it was.
“It wouldn’t have the support of the people there – it is probably too urbanised for an airport now.”
Bayles resident Keith Bethune is familiar with the history of the area and the airstrip.
He said there had been talk of an airport in the area for some time and that it would probably be a good thing for Melbourne.
Casey’ s Councillor Mick Morland said with 70 per cent of the population this side of Melbourne including the growth areas, the council supported the plans.
He asked what the State Government was looking at in the south-east and said they would “love an airport” for the region. At the meeting Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen also showed his support for the project.
In the past year, both Casey and Cardinia councils joined the campaign for a third major airport in the south-east following years of speculation.
A statement from Casey CEO Mike Tyler in October last year said discussions had been ongoing for more than 30 years.
