The panel is led by esteemed epidemiologist Deakin Distinguished Professor Catherine Bennett, Chair of Epidemiology in Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation (IHT) and health expert on the Panel that led the independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response.
The study is the first large scale long-term Community Health Study undertaken by a major airport anywhere in the world. It will monitor health impacts relating to aircraft noise in communities surrounding Melbourne Airport both before the runway opens and for 20 years after it begins operations.
Melbourne Airport is required to commission the independent health study as part of the Federal Government approval process for the airport’s new third runway and has tasked this independent expert panel to draft the TOR, the guiding document for the community health study, for presentation to government by 10 September 2025.
In addition to Professor Bennett, the expert panel includes Victoria-based architect Dr Fiona Gray who brings 25 years’ experience spanning architectural, urban renewal and public infrastructure projects, and Professor Ben Cave who is an affiliate of the University of Liverpool and has 25 years’ experience in Health Impact Assessment and Environmental Assessment, including health assessments at airports in the UK and Australia.
Melbourne Airport has committed to community engagement as central to the drafting of the Terms of Reference and the expert panel has met with the Melbourne Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group, local council representatives, community members and action group representatives.
Professor Bennett said in bidding for the Terms of Reference project, the team focussed on community engagement and input as essential inputs.
‘We are very optimistic for the future study given that Melbourne Airport was so willing to invest in this approach,’ Professor Bennett said.
‘Urban developments like this can be controversial and we felt it was critical that this initial set-up work include community insights to help set the expectations and guard rails for the long-term study.’
The Deakin team has also hosted round table meetings with a range of these stakeholders to better understand the views and perception regarding potential health impacts, and insights into how the future Community Health Study can best engage and serve the community.
The Deakin led team is committed to developing a TOR that brings together the latest science on health and wellbeing near airports as well as reflecting the key impacts that concern the community.
As part of the consultation process, the public and other stakeholders are invited to share their experience of living, working or studying near the airport, as well as their views on the third runway development, via the M3R project website before the end of July.
Read more about the M3R Community Health Study project and have your say.
Read more about Melbourne Airport’s Third Runway project.
Read more Deakin Distinguished Professor Catherine Bennett’s research.
Image courtesy of Melbourne Airport.
