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The federal government has given the green light to Melbourne Airport's proposed third runway, paving the way for early works to begin next year if certain "noise amelioration" conditions are met.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King approved the major development plan for the $3 billion project, saying the needs of the local community had been "front of mind".
In order for the runway to go ahead, she said conditions would be imposed on Melbourne Airport to minimise environmental and noise impacts, ensuring no community "bears the brunt".
They include the airport providing a "legally-enforceable commitment" to restore the length of the east-west runway after construction of the third runway, so that noise is "shared" across the landing strips.
The $3 billion project is scheduled to open in 2031. (Supplied)
A "noise amelioration program" for impacted communities would also be implemented, and the airport would be required to conduct a community health study into noise impacts.
The study would involve recording data before and after the construction of the third runway, through to its first 20 years of operation.
"Melbourne's third runway will bring it in line with Sydney and other globally-competitive airports," Ms King said.
"But these conditions, along with relevant environmental requirements, mean that we are balancing the growth of the airport, with the needs of the communities on the ground."
The third runway's approval was welcomed by Melbourne Airport, which said it had come off the back of a "robust assessment of the project's environmental and social impacts."
"Australia's vast distances and Melbourne's position on the globe mean demand for air access will continue to grow as our population increases," Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said.
"The runway project will secure 51,000 jobs in Victoria's tourism, agriculture, education and other export industries, and will help add an additional $6 billion a year to the state economy."
Yearly Melbourne Airport passengers are expected to double to 83 million by 2046. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
The airport has agreed to restore the length of the east-west runway, and to take steps to minimise noise impacts.
"The new runway will require new flight paths, and as part of this project we will be facilitating noise attenuation for dwellings in the most impacted areas," Ms Argus said.
Nearby residents have long protested the plan for a third runway, including Gladstone Park local Frank Rivoli, who was a member of the now inactive organisation Hume Residents Airport Action Group.
He said the community had not been adequately consulted.
"The noise and the harm that it would do — all the health impacts including on … children — have not been addressed," Mr Rivoli said.
"It'll disturb people, and cause sleep deprivation, so that causes anxiety."
Under Melbourne Airport's proposal, the third runway would run parallel to the existing north-south runway and increase capacity by allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings.
Residents in suburbs to the north and south of the airport, including Keilor and Bulla, are expected to be the most impacted when it opens in 2031.
Annual passenger numbers to Melbourne Airport are expected to double to 83 million by 2046.