Planning and Building
Essendon Fields is a privately leased Commonwealth Airport. As such, it is subject to the planning and building framework set out in the Airports Act 1996.
Any works of a building nature must be approved by both Essendon Airport Proprietary Limited (EAPL) and the Airport Building Controller (ABC) prior to the commencement of works.
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.
If you’re a new or existing tenant or contractor, the below information sets out the process for building permit applications. For planning approvals, please click here.
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 the 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 Fields 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 Permit, Works Permit, Demolition Authorisation or Exemption Determination 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 Airport’s Master Plan. In addition to a building permit from the ABC, a separate Planning Permit from the Airport Operator may 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. Click here for planning approval information.
It is the role of the Australian Government’s Airport Building Controller (ABC) to administer the legislation and all approvals for construction and other building activities.
The ABC operate via an online platform and individuals or companies must be registered users to lodge an application with the ABC. To register and lodge an application please follow the following steps.
- Access ABCO via this link https://abco.infrastructure.gov.au
- At the bottom of the Login screen, select New User to register.
- Enter your details as required. You will need your organisation’s ABN to complete this part of the process.
- An authentication email will be sent to the nominated email address, Note, this expires within 24 hours.
- Once you’ve logged in, refer to the tabs on the left of the screen and follow the on screen prompts to lodge a new application.
Throughout the ABCO portal, you will be able to upload documents, correspond with the ABC, download approvals.
Should you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact the ABC at abcmelb@philipchun.com or on (03) 8608 3330 for assistance.
A Building Permit, Works Permit or Demolition Authorisation must be sought prior to commencement of any works that are defined in the legislation as a Building Activity. A Certificate of Compliance for Use/Occupancy is required for all works that are the subject of a permit by the ABC. A certificate of compliance must be issued prior to the occupation or use of a building or works.
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) maintains a register of building activity applications, as required under the Airports (Building Control) Regulations 1996. Details of building activity applications that have been approved or are currently under consideration by the Airport Building Controller can be viewed at the link below.
Essendon Airport Pty Ltd (EAPL) and Essendon Fields Pty Ltd (EFPL) require all contractors working on the airport site to undertake its online Contractor Induction programme and carry a completion certificate with them at all times whilst working on the airport site.
All EAPL and EFPL contractors and subcontractors working airside are also required to complete the Airside Induction and carry the completion certificate with them at all times whilst working on the airport site.
Non-compliance with the requirements covered within the induction will be a breach of Head Contract Requirements and appropriate action will be taken to ensure compliance.
All maintenance contractors must be prequalified before completing works. Prequalification includes a review of your safety system, performance and insurances.
Should you have any queries, contact your supervisor or Essendon Fields Project Manager
CLICK HERE TO UNDERTAKE THE CONTRACTOR INDUCTION
CLICK HERE TO READ ESSENDON FIELDS’ CONTRACTOR INFORMATION PACK
WORKING AIRSIDE? COMPLETE VICPASS APPLICATION HERE