Canberra Airport Master Plan approved

[Steve Jones]

From ABC online:

Airport master plan gets green light

The Federal Government has approved Canberra Airport's Master Plan including the establishment of a 24 hour freight hub.

The Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese says he appreciates some residents are worried about aircraft noise, but does not think a curfew is warranted.

"At present, Canberra Airport already has night-time freight services, and the proposed increase in freight services is expected to deliver greater economic benefits for the Canberra region," he said.

"Airservices' review will be conducted in 2010 and will consider options to concentrate aircraft noise away from existing residential areas, especially at night. It will examine the application of air navigation technology to minimise the impact of aircraft noise."

Mr Albanese says the 2009 Canberra Airport Master Plan is a significant improvement over the plan he rejected last year.

"It now includes a comprehensive and strategic plan for the development of Canberra Airport over the next 20 years," he said.

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has released figures showing nearly three million passengers used the Canberra Airport last year, with this number expected to rise to 3.9 million by 2016 and 6.3 million by 2029.