Melbourne’s third runway to provide a boost to Victoria’s ag exports

THE federal government has just given the green light to a third runway for Victoria’s biggest airport.

Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King has endorsed the Major Development Plan for the third runway at Melbourne Airport. which is estimated to cost $3 billion and is expected to be a boon for the Victorian economy, especially agriculture exports.

Ms King confirmed the funding for the new runway would come from Melbourne Airport with no government funding set aside for t

he construction.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the green lighting of Melbourne’s Airport’s third runway will be an economic boom for Victoria’s agriculture industry and enable the sector to solidify itself as Australia’s most valuable

agriculture exporter.

VFF president Emma Germano backed the expansion and said the move would help secure agriculture jobs and ensure more of Victoria’s internationally renowned food and fibre products can be enjoyed across the globe.

“Victorian produce has never been in so demand in the global market and it’s critical infrastructure such as Melbourne Airport that ensures we retain our mantle as Australia’s most valuable agriculture exporting state.

“The extra capacity that a third runway brings means new jobs are created in the agricultural supply chain and our produce remains competitive on the domestic and international market.

“Victorian produce has a reputation as a clean, green, fresh premium product and we’re seeing demand go through the roof for efficient and fast air freight to key markets in Asia and the United States.”

When it opens in 2031, the parallel runway system will significantly increase Melbourne Airport’s capacity by allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings.

Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said the new runway would benefit Australian travellers and exporters for decades to come.

About 30 per cent of the nation’s air freight market has flowed through Melbourne over the past decade, with Victorian produce constituting a significant portion of these exports.

Key exports transiting through Melbourne Airport include dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits and nut products.

Victoria’s largest export markets include China, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia.