Third Runway - Major Development Plan (MDP) Process

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A Major Development Plan (MDP) is the planning approval document required for developments valued at more than $25 million, or that has a significant impact on the environment or local community at airports.

Melbourne Airport is located on Commonwealth land and subject to Commonwealth legislation, under the Airports Act 1996.

Once a Preliminary Draft MDP has been prepared it is available for public exhibition for a minimum of 60 business days. It is during this time that communities and stakeholders can view the Preliminary Draft MDP and provide comment. For the Third Runway project, the exhibition period will take place in 2021.

Following the public exhibition period, the Draft MDP is submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development for consideration, addressing comments from stakeholders and the community.

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.

Melbourne Airport would ultimately seek community and stakeholder feedback through a series of face-to-face stakeholder events and community forums, however, with state restrictions in place due to Covid we will still provide the same opportunity through a digital setting.


A Major Development Plan (MDP) is the planning approval document required for developments valued at more than $25 million, or that has a significant impact on the environment or local community at airports.

Melbourne Airport is located on Commonwealth land and subject to Commonwealth legislation, under the Airports Act 1996.

Once a Preliminary Draft MDP has been prepared it is available for public exhibition for a minimum of 60 business days. It is during this time that communities and stakeholders can view the Preliminary Draft MDP and provide comment. For the Third Runway project, the exhibition period will take place in 2021.

Following the public exhibition period, the Draft MDP is submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development for consideration, addressing comments from stakeholders and the community.

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.

Melbourne Airport would ultimately seek community and stakeholder feedback through a series of face-to-face stakeholder events and community forums, however, with state restrictions in place due to Covid we will still provide the same opportunity through a digital setting.