Master Plan
The Essendon Airport Master Plan is a 20 year plan that outlines the development strategy and planning controls for the airport.
The contents of an airport Master Plan are prescribed in Section 71 of the Airports Act 1996. Under the Act, Essendon Airport must prepare a new Master Plan every 5 years to guide the development of the airport for the next 20 year period.
Essendon Airport’s Master Plan 2013 outlines the direction and vision of Essendon Airport for the period 2013 to 2033, with the aim to create more jobs, increase community benefit and provide a greater vision for the next 20 years. Further details are also provided on future land use, development proposals and environmental impacts including noise.
The Master Plan was approved on 23 April 2014 by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Hon Warren Truss MP.
The Master Plan can be downloaded free of charge from the links below while the plan remains in force.
ESSENDON AIRPORT MASTER PLAN 2013 FULL VERSION INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY LAND USE PLAN (31MB)
ESSENDON AIRPORT MASTER PLAN 2013 (MAIN DOCUMENT) (24MB)
ESSENDON AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY 2013-2018 (4MB)
ESSENDON AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN 2013 (4.4MB)
Published 23rd May 2024, updated 22nd October 2024
The Airports Act 1996 requires a review of the current 2013 Master Plan.
In 2019 Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) advertised a preliminary version of its draft Master Plan (dMP) 2019, which was available for public consultation from April to July 2019. The EAPL dMP had been prepared based on information at the time that Melbourne Airport’s proposed third runway would be oriented east-west.
In November 2019 Melbourne Airport announced that their third runway would be built in a north-south orientation, and in response to uncertainties about how these changed plans might impact air traffic movements at Essendon Fields, the EAPL dMP 2019 was subsequently withdrawn, and an extension granted by the Minister.
Following submission of the Melbourne Airport Third Runway Major Development Plan (M3R MDP), EAPL requested a further extension of time to submit the EAPL dMP, noting the continued uncertainty regarding how a north-south oriented third runway at Melbourne will impact users of Essendon Fields Airport and the surrounding community.
On this basis, a further extension of time until 29 January 2027 has been granted by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon. Catherine King, which will allow EAPL to update all plans, including the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast, and consult with stakeholders in full consideration of the M3R MDP.
The decision by the Minister to grant this further extension is an important and fair outcome for the community, because the updated EAPL dMP 2027 will be based on the most up-to-date information and be more accurate in its forecasts. We are grateful for the continued collaborative and constructive approach taken by the Minister and key personnel at DITRDC in delivering this outcome for the community.
We expect that public consultation for EAPL’s revised dMP 2027 will commence in Q3 2026. In the meantime, the 2013 Master Plan remains in effect.
MASTER PLAN LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
A Major Development Plan (MDP) is the planning approval document for developments at airports, as defined under Section 89 of the Airports Act 1996.
MDPs present an overview of a proposed project and why it is required. They also provide information about the project’s potential environmental, community and economic impacts. Any development valued at more than $25 million, or that has a significant impact on the environment or local community, requires an MDP.
An MDP is prepared by the airport and submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development for approval.
During the preparation of a Major Development Plan, there is an opportunity for stakeholders and the community to comment on the proposal, with the Preliminary Draft MDP available for public exhibition for a minimum of 60 business days. It is during this time that communities and stakeholders can view the MDP and provide comment.
At Essendon Fields Airport, in addition to being advertised in the media and on our website, MDP proposals are also brought to the attention of the Victorian Government, Moonee Valley City Council and Essendon Airport’s Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG).
Community and stakeholder consultation is an important part of the MDP process. When the draft MDP is submitted for approval, details on the consultation findings are required to be included. If an MDP is approved by the Minister, an electronic copy of the approved MDP will be made available for inspection by members of the public for 180 days, via this section of our website.
Essendon Fields Airport does not currently have any draft MDPs out for public consultation or with the Minister for Approval.
Community members can stay updated on the status of any MDPs at Essendon Fields Airport by checking this website, subscribing to the Essendon Fields email newsletter and following our Essendon Fields Facebook page.
APPROVAL PROCESS
Essendon Fields Airport is located on Commonwealth Land and as such, the State legislation as it relates to the building approval process does not apply. Building works at Essendon Fields Airport are instead subject to regulatory controls by the Federal Government under the Airports Act 1996 and the Airports (Building Control) Regulations 1996.
For all building work undertaken across the site, building permits are subject to Airport Building Controller (ABC) approval and all contractors working on-site must complete our airport induction.
Current Projects
For details on any projects currently under construction, please click here.
Essendon Fields Airport is subject to Commonwealth legislative control. The Victorian Government does not have control over planning, development or operations at Essendon Fields Airport. However, planning for the areas surrounding the Airport is subject to the Victorian Planning Provisions.
Whether you are building or developing land, erecting signage or making external changes to an existing building within Essendon Fields Airport, you’ll need to submit a planning consent application before work can proceed. Our planning team will then work with you to ensure that your project obtains the appropriate approval.
Our planning and design approval process is managed by the Airport’s planning team, whose primary responsibilities involve ensuring the appropriate use and development of land both within and around the airport.
Applications are assessed against the Airport Master Plan.
Some applications are referred to agencies such as Air Services and CASA for comment as part of our consideration process.
A link to our application form can be found below.
APPLICATION FOR PLANNING CONSENT AT ESSENDON FIELDS AIRPORT
APPLICATION FOR ADVERTISING SIGNS
Does my proposal need a Planning Consent (Planning Permit)?
Developments that are undertaken landside generally require a Planning Consent. Any queries regarding the Planning Permit process can be directed to 9027 9967.
You’ll also need to submit a building application to the Airport Building Controller (ABC) to secure a Works Permit, Building Permit or Demolition Authority.
How long will the process take?
Unlike the Victorian Planning Provisions where agencies have 60 days to make a decision, there is no minimum time for an application to be considered. Applications are generally determined within 4-6 weeks of lodgment, and longer for more complex applications.
Environmental programs are in place to manage Essendon Airport’s 305 hectare site whilst also minimising the airport’s impact on the surrounding environment.
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) prepares an Environment Strategy every five years in accordance with the Airports Act 1996 and Regulations. The current 2013 – 2018 Airport Environmental Strategy is included within the approved Essendon Airport Master Plan and is also available to download separately from the link below.
ESSENDON AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY 2013-2018 (4MB)
EPBC Act
EPBC 2014/7213
Proposed commercial development, including earthworks, construction of roads and services infrastructure in the Wirraway North Precinct, Essendon Airport, Victoria.
The proposed action is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). The controlling provisions are listed threatened species and communities (Sections 18 and 18A); and Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A). The proposed action involves the removal of native vegetation from the development site to facilitate the commercial development of the Airport.
On March 31, 2015, the proposed action received approval under the EPBC Act by the Delegate for the Minister for the Environment (Cth). Management Plans associated with the approval can be accessed from the links below:
CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
OFFSET MANAGEMENT PLAN
In accordance with the conditions of approval, Essendon Airport Pty Ltd must publish an annual report on this website addressing compliance with each condition, including implementation of any management plan. The annual report is due to be published within three months of every 12 month anniversary of the commencement of construction.
Annual Compliance Reports:
160805 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2016 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
170803 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2017 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
181005 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2018 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
190725 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2019 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
200806 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2020 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
210806 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2021 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
Permit E2019-0162
On the 17th October 2019, the Minister’s delegate granted a permit to clear 0.029 hectares of NTGVVP within the project area for the development of a new office and warehouse at Essendon Airport. EAPL has published the following compliance report in accordance with the permit conditions.
Essendon Fields is committed to providing a healthy, safe and environmentally responsible place of work for employees, contractors and the general public. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is a shared responsibility, requiring active commitment and participation of all stakeholders including our managers, employees, contractors, customers, and visitors.
We are committed to developing, implementing, maintaining and constantly improving strategies to ensure all our activities take place under a balanced allocation of organisational resources, aimed at achieving the highest levels of HSE performance.
Our commitment is to:
- Support the management of HSE through provision of adequate resources. This includes supporting the physical and psychosocial health and wellbeing of our employees.
- Integrate HSE considerations into all activities through proactive communication, consultation and co-ordination.
- Clearly define for all employees , their accountabilities and responsibilities for the delivery of our HSE performance.
- Establish and operate hazard identification and risk management processes to eliminate or minimise HSE hazards and risks from our activities that have the potential to cause injury, illness or environmental harm to as low as reasonably practicable.
- Provide an open and transparent process for HSE concerns and opportunities to be confidently reported. Ensure that no action will be taken against any employee who discloses a HSE concern through the hazard reporting system, unless such disclosure indicates, beyond any reasonable doubt, an illegal act, gross negligence or deliberate or willful disregard of regulations or procedures.
- Report all hazards and incidents and act promptly to provide support, take preventative action and share learnings.
- Provide supportand training to all employees to continually enhance HSE culture and ensure that employees are adequately prepared and supported to carry outallocated tasks and responsibilities.
- Set objectives and targets to continually improve the performance of our HSE Management System.
- Comply with and wherever possible, exceed, legislative requirements and standards.
- Act on non-compliance and behaviours inconsistent with this policy.
Essendon Fields Airport’s history includes its prior role as the main international and domestic airport for Melbourne and one of Australia’s major airports from 1921 to 1971 and its association with, and role in, the development of Australia’s key domestic airlines.
Essendon was Melbourne’s first and Australia’s second International Airport. In the 1940s, it was the busiest airport in Australia and one of the busiest in the British Commonwealth. The airport played an important role in aircraft manufacturing during the Second World War and also in accommodating air traffic during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd remains committed to complying with its heritage obligations and recognises the heritage significance of the place. In 2006 EAPL prepared a Heritage Management Plan as part of its environment strategy.
A HMP is a tool intended to provide sufficient information for managers to conserve and protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a place. It identifies the values of a heritage place and conservation policies to be followed to ensure that the identified heritage values are protected and conserved. A management plan seeks to achieve good heritage conservation outcomes within the real management situation of the place.
Management plans must be prepared for Commonwealth Heritage places in accordance with the matters prescribed in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
In accordance with the EPBC Act a HMP should be reviewed every 5 years and to manage and address change. A review of the HMP is currently underway by EAPL.
Examples of EAPL’s commitment to preserving buildings with heritage values include the refurbishment of the former Area Approach Control Centre at 40 English Street and the complete upgrade of the Beaufort Building which was transformed into award-winning offices. The precinct also recently celebrated the Airport Centenary, with a detailed history of the site including stories from the local community compiled on a specially created EF100 website.
The Essendon Airport Master Plan is a 20 year plan that outlines the development strategy and planning controls for the airport.
The contents of an airport Master Plan are prescribed in Section 71 of the Airports Act 1996. Under the Act, Essendon Airport must prepare a new Master Plan every 5 years to guide the development of the airport for the next 20 year period.
Essendon Airport’s Master Plan 2013 outlines the direction and vision of Essendon Airport for the period 2013 to 2033, with the aim to create more jobs, increase community benefit and provide a greater vision for the next 20 years. Further details are also provided on future land use, development proposals and environmental impacts including noise.
The Master Plan was approved on 23 April 2014 by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Hon Warren Truss MP.
The Master Plan can be downloaded free of charge from the links below while the plan remains in force.
ESSENDON AIRPORT MASTER PLAN 2013 FULL VERSION INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY LAND USE PLAN (31MB)
ESSENDON AIRPORT MASTER PLAN 2013 (MAIN DOCUMENT) (24MB)
ESSENDON AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY 2013-2018 (4MB)
ESSENDON AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN 2013 (4.4MB)
Published 23rd May 2024
The Airports Act 1996 requires a review of the current 2013 Master Plan.
In 2019 Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) advertised a preliminary version of its draft Master Plan (dMP) 2019, which was available for public consultation from April to July 2019. The EAPL dMP had been prepared based on information at the time that Melbourne Airport’s proposed third runway would be oriented east-west.
In November 2019 Melbourne Airport announced that their third runway would be built in a north-south orientation, and in response to uncertainties about how these changed plans might impact air traffic movements at Essendon Fields, the EAPL dMP 2019 was subsequently withdrawn, and an extension granted by the Minister.
In November 2022, Melbourne Airport’s draft Master Plan 2022 was approved, however, the Third Runway Major Development Plan (M3R MDP) is yet to be determined by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon. Catherine King.
EAPL has written to the Minister requesting a further extension of time to submit the EAPL dMP, noting the continued uncertainty regarding how a north-south oriented third runway at Melbourne will impact users of Essendon Fields Airport and the surrounding community.
On this basis, a further extension of time until 29 January 2027 has been granted by the Minister, which will allow EAPL to update all plans, including the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast, and consult with stakeholders in consideration of the M3R MDP once it has been determined by the Minister.
The decision by the Minister to grant this further extension is an important and fair outcome for the community, because the updated EAPL dMP 2027 will be based on the most up-to-date information and be more accurate in its forecasts. We are grateful for the continued collaborative and constructive approach taken by the Minister and key personnel at DITRDC in delivering this outcome for the community.
We expect that public consultation for EAPL’s revised dMP 2027 will commence in Q3 2026. In the meantime, the 2013 Master Plan remains in effect.
MASTER PLAN LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
A Major Development Plan (MDP) is the planning approval document for developments at airports, as defined under Section 89 of the Airports Act 1996.
MDPs present an overview of a proposed project and why it is required. They also provide information about the project’s potential environmental, community and economic impacts. Any development valued at more than $25 million, or that has a significant impact on the environment or local community, requires an MDP.
An MDP is prepared by the airport and submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development for approval.
During the preparation of a Major Development Plan, there is an opportunity for stakeholders and the community to comment on the proposal, with the Preliminary Draft MDP available for public exhibition for a minimum of 60 business days. It is during this time that communities and stakeholders can view the MDP and provide comment.
At Essendon Fields Airport, in addition to being advertised in the media and on our website, MDP proposals are also brought to the attention of the Victorian Government, Moonee Valley City Council and Essendon Airport’s Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG).
Community and stakeholder consultation is an important part of the MDP process. When the draft MDP is submitted for approval, details on the consultation findings are required to be included. if an MDP is approved by the Minister, an electronic copy of the approved MDP will be made available for inspection by members of the public for 180 days, via this section of our website.
Essendon Fields Airport does not currently have any draft MDPs out for consultation with the Minister for Approval.
Community members can stay updated on the status of any MDPs at Essendon Fields Airport by checking this website, subscribing to the Essendon Fields email newsletter and following our Essendon Fields Facebook page.
APPROVAL PROCESS
Essendon Fields Airport is located on Commonwealth Land and as such, the State legislation as it relates to the building approval process does not apply. Building works at Essendon Fields Airport are instead subject to regulatory controls by the Federal Government under the Airports Act 1996 and the Airports (Building Control) Regulations 1996.
The Airport Building Controller (ABC) is appointed by the Commonwealth Government to ensure that activities at Essendon Airport meet the relevant building and engineering standards. The ABC must be notified about any and all construction activities and formal approval given by way of a Building or Works Permit before works commence. This includes new buildings, fit-outs, civil works such as roads and drains, trenching, excavation and demolition activities.
Under the Airports (Building Control) Regulations 1996, some building activities are exempt from a formal application process. However, it is a requirement of the Regulations that the ABC is notified of these works. For an application for a building activity to be successful at Essendon Fields Airport, it must be consistent with the Essendon Airport Master Plan. In addition to a building permit from the ABC, a separate Planning Consent from the Airport Operator may also be required regarding Use of Land and/or Buildings and Works.
Applicants are advised to contact EAPL at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss their proposal.
Airport Building Controller (ABC) forms
BUILDING APPROVALS AT ESSENDON FIELDS AIRPORT
APPLICATION FORM BUILDING PERMIT
APPLICATION FORM DEMOLITION AUTHORISATION
CERTIFICATION DESIGN FORM
APPLICATION FORM CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
APPLICATION FORM CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE (WORKS)
APPLICATION FORM EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
APPLICATION FORM TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE OCCUPANCY
APPLICATION FORM VARIATION STAGE PERMIT
BUILDING APPROVAL LODGEMENT CHECKLIST
APPLICATION FOR PLANNING CONSENT AT ESSENDON AIRPORT
APPLICATION FOR ADVERTISING SIGNS AT ESSENDON AIRPORT
Contractor Inductions
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) and Essendon Fields Pty Ltd (EFPL) require all contractors working on airport site to undertake an online Contractor Induction programme and carry a completion certificate with them at all times whilst working on the airport site. A separate induction program has been developed for those contractors working Airside or Landside which address the specific requirements for working in each area.
Non-compliance with the requirements covered within this induction is a breach of Head Contract Requirements and appropriate action will be taken to ensure compliance. Should you have any queries, contact your supervisor or Essendon Fields Project Manager.
CLICK HERE TO UNDERTAKE THE CONTRACTOR INDUCTION:
COMPLETE VICPASS APPLICATION HERE
Current Projects
For details on any projects currently under construction, please click here.
Essendon Fields Airport is subject to Commonwealth legislative control. The Victorian Government does not have control over planning, development or operations at Essendon Fields Airport. However, planning for the areas surrounding the Airport is subject to the Victorian Planning Provisions.
Whether you are building or developing land, erecting signage or making external changes to an existing building within Essendon Fields Airport, you’ll need to submit a planning consent application before work can proceed. Our planning team will then work with you to ensure that your project obtains the appropriate approval.
Our planning and design approval process is managed by the Airport’s planning team, whose primary responsibilities involve ensuring the appropriate use and development of land both within and around the airport.
Applications are assessed against the Airport Master Plan.
Some applications are referred to agencies such as Air Services and CASA for comment as part of our consideration process.
A link to our application form can be found below.
APPLICATION FOR PLANNING CONSENT AT ESSENDON FIELDS AIRPORT
APPLICATION FOR ADVERTISING SIGNS
Does my proposal need a Planning Consent (Planning Permit)?
Developments that are undertaken landside generally require a Planning Consent.
Any queries regarding the Planning Permit process can be directed to 9027 9967.
You’ll also need to submit a building application to the Airport Building Controller (ABC) to secure a Works Permit, Building Permit or Demolition Authority.
How long will the process take?
Unlike the Victorian Planning Provisions where agencies have 60 days to make a decision, there is no minimum time for an application to be considered. Applications are generally determined within 4-6 weeks of lodgment, and longer for more complex applications.
Environmental programs are in place to manage Essendon Airport’s 305 hectare site whilst also minimising the airport’s impact on the surrounding environment.
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) prepares an Environment Strategy every five years in accordance with the Airports Act 1996 and Regulations. The current 2013 – 2018 Airport Environmental Strategy is included within the approved Essendon Airport Master Plan and is also available to download separately from the link below.
ESSENDON AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY 2013-2018 (4MB)
EPBC Act
EPBC 2014/7213
Proposed commercial development, including earthworks, construction of roads and services infrastructure in the Wirraway North Precinct, Essendon Airport, Victoria.
The proposed action is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). The controlling provisions are listed threatened species and communities (Sections 18 and 18A); and Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A). The proposed action involves the removal of native vegetation from the development site to facilitate the commercial development of the Airport.
On March 31, 2015, the proposed action received approval under the EPBC Act by the Delegate for the Minister for the Environment (Cth). Management Plans associated with the approval can be accessed from the links below:
CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
OFFSET MANAGEMENT PLAN
In accordance with the conditions of approval, Essendon Airport Pty Ltd must publish an annual report on this website addressing compliance with each condition, including implementation of any management plan. The annual report is due to be published within three months of every 12 month anniversary of the commencement of construction.
Annual Compliance Reports:
160805 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2016 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
170803 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2017 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
181005 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2018 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
190725 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2019 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
200806 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2020 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
210806 COMPLIANCE REPORT 2021 – EPBC 2014-7213 (WITH ATTACHMENTS).PDF
Permit E2019-0162
On the 17th October 2019, the Minister’s delegate granted a permit to clear 0.029 hectares of NTGVVP within the project area for the development of a new office and warehouse at Essendon Airport. EAPL has published the following compliance report in accordance with the permit conditions.
Essendon Fields Airport’s history includes its prior role as the main international and domestic airport for Melbourne and one of Australia’s major airports from 1921 to 1971 and its association with, and role in, the development of Australia’s key domestic airlines.
Essendon was Melbourne’s first and Australia’s second International Airport. In the 1940s, it was the busiest airport in Australia and one of the busiest in the British Commonwealth. The airport played an important role in aircraft manufacturing during the Second World War and also in accommodating air traffic during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd remains committed to complying with its heritage obligations and recognises the heritage significance of the place. In 2006 EAPL prepared a Heritage Management Plan as part of its environment strategy.
A HMP is a tool intended to provide sufficient information for managers to conserve and protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a place. It identifies the values of a heritage place and conservation policies to be followed to ensure that the identified heritage values are protected and conserved. A management plan seeks to achieve good heritage conservation outcomes within the real management situation of the place.
Management plans must be prepared for Commonwealth Heritage places in accordance with the matters prescribed in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
In accordance with the EPBC Act a HMP should be reviewed every 5 years and to manage and address change. A review of the HMP is currently underway by EAPL.
Examples of EAPL’s commitment to preserving buildings with heritage values include the refurbishment of the former Area Approach Control Centre at 40 English Street and the complete upgrade of the Beaufort Building which was transformed into award-winning offices. The precinct also recently celebrated the Airport Centenary, with a detailed history of the site including stories from the local community compiled on a specially created EF100 website.