The following section includes current approved master plan and spatial information for Commonwealth owned airports in Victoria. All current versions of master plans remain in force until a new or updated master plan is approved by the Commonwealth and published by the airport operator.
The planning and development of Melbourne, Essendon Fields and Moorabbin airports is regulated under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996. Avalon Airport is owned by the Department of Defence, whose lease with the airport operator addresses the planning and development requirements of the airport. RAAF Base East Sale and RAAF Base Point Cook are Defence owned and operated airfields.
The information, links and airport data provided on this page are owned and managed by the airport operators. The Department of Transport and Planning will work with airport operators to provide access to further airport spatial data when available.
Avalon Airport is a domestic and international airport with no curfew, 24-hour access, freight capability and an adjoining employment precinct.
The current approved Avalon Airport Master Plan was approved by the Department of Defence in September 2015. The master plan outlines the airport’s current and future expansion of aviation and non-aviation related developments.
Essendon Fields Airport is a general aviation airport that is an important regional and state aviation asset with specialised functions, including executive charter, emergency aviation services, freight, logistics and an adjoining employment precinct.
The current approved master plan was approved by the Commonwealth on 23 April 2014. The Essendon Fields Airport Master Plan is currently under review. The Commonwealth has granted an extension until 31 January 2024 for the airport operator to submit an updated master plan. If the updated master plan is approved, it will replace the 2013 Master Plan.
Melbourne Airport is a major domestic and international airport with no curfew, 24-hour access, freight capability and an adjoining employment precinct.
Melbourne Airport recently consulted on an updated master plan. On 14 November 2022, in accordance with section 81 of the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996, the preliminary draft Melbourne Airport Master Plan 2022 was approved by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP.
Moorabbin Airport is a general aviation airport that is an important regional and state aviation asset supporting the state's aviation industry and access to regional Victoria.
The current approved Moorabbin Airport Master Plan was approved by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP on 6 September 2023.
RAAF Base East Sale plays a major role in flight training for the Air Force. The base is located 6km from Sale’s town centre and was recently upgraded with a new air traffic control tower and various other upgrades to buildings and services around the base. RAAF Base East Sale is an operational RAAF Base.
Information on the Defence Aviation Areas and how to apply for approval if your property or structure is higher than the required height: Defence Aviation Areas
The airfield at Point Cook is unique in that it is part of an operational RAAF Base, but predominately used by organisations for pilot training. RMIT University Flying Training school is the largest organisation to use the airfield. RMIT commenced flying activities at Point Cook in 1995.
In addition to RMIT, Victoria Police and Victoria Emergency Service occasionally conduct helicopter operations at the Base. Flight schools from Essendon and Moorabbin airports also use Point Cook.
Information on the Defence Aviation Areas and how to apply for approval if your property or structure is higher than the required height: Defence Aviation Areas
Future work
As work progresses to further develop this page, the Department of Transport and Planning will work with Victorian airport operators to provide access to their updated spatial data and master plans.