Unapproved third runway for Melbourne airport could impact Federal Labor in elections

·

The pending approval for a third runway for Melbourne Airport is placing substantial political pressure on electorates largely held by the Australian Labor Party.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus has been patiently anticipating the federal government to approve the third runway, a $3 billion project aimed at bringing in more flights and lowering airfares.

This has raised concerns over aircraft noise pollution among Melbourne citizens, particularly as flight paths will have to be altered (over houses) to accommodate the extra flights.

Despite 18 months of consultation, Federal Transport Minister Catherine King doesn’t look like she’ll decide on the third runway any time soon.

Kos Samaras. Photo: Wayne Taylor / The Age.

Kos Samaras, former Labor strategist and RedBridge Group pollster, said it’s “definitely going to be a problem [for Labor].”

“The federal seats of Calwell and Gorton, they absorbed 10 per cent swings against them last election. It will hit the state seats as well, where it’s a larger problem. That’s why it’s been sitting on her desk… It was on her desk for approval last December,” Samaras added.

In Melbourne, electorates closer to the airport at Tullamarine in the north-western suburbs suffered big swings away from Labor in the last election. Hence, this issue promises trouble to come for the Labor party during election time.

Source: Financial Review.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Giannis Antetokounmpo says he hopes to end career in Greece

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has revealed he hopes to finish his basketball career in his native Greece after his NBA tenure.

Greece eyes Gaza reconstruction role, nears recognition of Palestinian state

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Greece is prepared to play an active role in Gaza’s reconstruction and regional stability.

Trump warns Hamas to disarm as hostage remains returned to Israel

US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas to disarm or face force, as the remains of four dead hostages were returned to Israel from Gaza.

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

You May Also Like

Peter Papathanasiou’s new book addresses lack of Greek representation in outback noir

Peter Papathanasiou’s new book, The Stoning, addresses a lack of Greek representation in outback noir stories.

ICAC finds former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian engaged in corrupt conduct

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption has handed down the findings of a corruption probe into former Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Greece calls again for return of Parthenon Marbles

Greece's Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, has reiterated a long-standing request for the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles