By Jessica Micallef
There is no public benefit or justification for Macedon Ranges council to spend money on plans to upgrade the Kyneton Airfield, a resident has claimed.
Paul Reid, whose house is under the direct flight path of the airfield’s north-south runway, has attacked the recently released draft Kyneton Airfield Masterplan.
Under the plan, flights at the Kyneton Airfield are set to almost double from 5110 to 10,000 a year.
Up to 12 privately-owned hangars, three aviation business hangars, an office building and a tourism hub could also be built on part of the airfield currently zoned for farming.
Mr Reid has raised concerns about the proposed extra flights.
“The noise can be quite intrusive,” he said.
“If we are out in the backyard we can’t hear each other talking.
“Some of the planes are quite low. It’s a bit of an intrusion on your privacy and enjoyment of your own property.
“I am concerned if they double the number [of flights], there’ll be double the noise and if they extend the runway there could be bigger and noisier planes.”
Mr Reid said the plans proposed for the airfield were “extensive” and that the money should be spent elsewhere.
“In any of our towns you can find lots of basic transport issues like footpaths and street lighting and potholes. That could do with the money more urgently,” he said.
“I don’t think there is any justification in doubling the size and doubling the activity.
“It won’t benefit the community.”
The master plan is expected to be presented at the council’s October meeting.
