THE Victorian Farmers Federation said 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.

Melbourne Airport has said Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King has approved the Major Development Plan for the third runway project, paving the way for detailed design and construction to start.

The 3,000-metre-long runway will be built parallel and 1.3 kilometres to the west of the existing north-south runway, along with new taxiways and other enabling infrastructure.

When it opens in 2031, the parallel runway system will significantly increase Melbourne Airport’s capacity by allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings, which will help reduce delays and give existing airlines and new entrants the infrastructure they need to grow.

The length of the existing east-west runway will be restored to maximise opportunities for noise sharing.

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

“Australia’s vast distances and Melbourne’s position on the globe mean demand for air access will continue to grow as our population increases,” she said.

“The new north-south runway will ensure Victoria’s primary international gateway has adequate capacity to serve the state’s needs for future generations.

“Sydney and Brisbane already operate parallel runway systems, so this will ensure that Melbourne does not become a handbrake on the national air network or the national economy.”

Third runway is great news for Victorian agriculture – VFF

VFF president Emma Germano 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,” she said.

“The VFF was proud to join industry partners in advocating the need for the third runway to the Commonwealth.

“The government’s announcement to green light the runway is great news for Victorian agriculture.”

Ms Germano said Victorian produce has a reputation as a clean, green, fresh premium product and demand is going “through the roof for efficient and fast air freight to key markets in Asia and the United States.”

“Approximately 30 percent 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.

“In 2023-24, the value of food and fibre exports through Melbourne totalled $1.65 billion, representing nearly 10pc of the state’s agricultural exports by value.”

In 2023-24, Victoria exported more than $19 billion of food and fibre, cementing its title as Australia’s largest agricultural exporter. 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.