For generations, Keilor residents have lived alongside Melbourne Airport. In turn, Melbourne Airport has brought significant benefits to our local community and economy. But, while Melbourne Airport's contribution is significant, Keilor residents are reasonably concerned about the impact of the third runway on their health, homes and quality of life. Many have contacted my office seeking clear, accessible information about what these changes will mean for their families and what protections will be available through the noise sharing and noise amelioration plans.

Residents already experience aircraft noise, with current data indicating an average of six flights a day over some locations in Keilor, rising to 14 on busier days. By 2031, under projected airport growth, this could increase to 112 flights a day, on average, reaching 200 on busy days. By 2036, projections indicate up to 160 flights a day, on average, and 234 on busy days. These are not just numbers. They represent families trying to sleep, children trying to learn, people trying to work from home and residents trying to enjoy their own backyards. Residents also have concerns about older homes, many of which were built in the 1970s and 1980s, before modern acoustic standards, and may be more vulnerable to aircraft noise. The third runway approval includes conditions intended to manage aircraft noise, including a noise sharing plan, a noise amelioration plan and a long-term study on the health impacts of aircraft noise. However, residents remain concerned that the noise amelioration plan's reliance on the ANEF 25 contour may exclude households experiencing significant noise impacts, and the noise sharing plan is yet to provide sufficient clarity or predictable respite.

Many residents have also found the consultation process and technical information difficult to understand, leaving them uncertain about the practical impacts on their properties and how their concerns will be addressed. Genuine consultation must go beyond providing technical information. Residents deserve clear explanations, meaningful opportunities to ask questions and confidence that their lived experience are being heard. I have met with and written to Melbourne Airport to convey these concerns and invite greater consideration of the impacts on Keilor residents. I remain committed to working with both Melbourne Airport and the minister for the long term to find a suitable pathway to properly addressing these concerns. Our community understands the importance of Melbourne Airport to jobs, freight and our economy. Residents are not asking the airport to stop growing. They are asking for fair treatment, meaningful noise relief and assurance that their homes, health and quality of life will not be overlooked.