Gateway Issue 6: August 2015

1 ISSUE 6 • AUGUST 2015

A new road link to the airport

The new Airport Drive is making the journey from the west quicker and easier for passengers and visitors travelling to and from Melbourne Airport.

The 3.3km Airport Drive extension, between Sharps Road and Mercer Drive, was officially opened at the end of June. It provides direct access from the Western Ring Road to the airport, creating a second major entrance and exit point to Melbourne Airport—with a major objective to improve journey travel times on the Tullamarine Freeway.

As a result of the works, Melrose Drive has been turned into a culde-sac 400 metres north of the intersection with Watson Drive— built specifically to provide access to the new Airport Drive.

Link Road has also been re-aligned to form an intersection with Airport Drive and Watson Drive.

In addition, Melrose Drive between Mercer Drive and Centre Road has been renamed Airport Drive as it now forms one continuous road from the Western Ring Road to Centre Road, including a direct link to the new transport hub when it opens.

A number of other works have been completed, including a 6.5 kilometre shared pedestrian and bike path running along Airport Drive.

The four lane divided road has been designed with provision to expand to six lanes at a later time, and to accommodate a future airport rail link.

As part of the project, significant environmental enhancements

have been made to nearby Steele Creek north. This includes a five million litre stormwater system with a 100,000m2 retarding basin, along with a second smaller basin, to manage the quality and quantity of water entering the stormwater system.

Grassed earth mounds that run along Airport Drive act as a noise barrier, and an area of 335,000m2 has been landscaped, including the planting of 867 new trees.

Valued at around $100 million, this significant road project created around 900 jobs during the 12 month construction period.

Together, the workforce took 500,000 hours to complete the project on time, under budget and injury free. 

In this edition: ººA new road link to the airport ººActing CEO’s message ººSupporting the academic dreams of young people

ººA glimpse into the new Terminal 4

ººMeet Sarah Renner ººMelbourne Airport at your local shopping centre

ººThe best in customer service

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Supporting the academic dreams of young people  Acting Chief

Executive Officer

Message from Simon Gandy I am delighted to take on the role as Melbourne Airport’s Acting Chief Executive Officer. I’d like to acknowledge the contribution of former CEO, Chris Woodruff, who provided exceptional leadership in his eight years at the helm, leading the airport through the biggest transformation in its history.

For the team here at Melbourne Airport, it’s business as usual. The next few months will be very busy as a number of projects are completed and brought into operation for our customers. Construction of the exciting new Terminal 4 continues, with work underway on the internal fit out. Nearby, the multi-level transport hub is taking shape, which will connect to stage one of the elevated loop road—our long term road solution to improving access to and from the airport.

The investments at our terminal precinct, ground transport infrastructure and road network have been driven by the incredible growth in recent years in domestic and international tourism. Interest in Melbourne as an attractive national and international destination is forecast to reach 64 million passengers by 2033—up from the current 32 million, with much of the traffic coming from Asia, particularly China.

Planning for this growth is critical.

More passengers and continued interest from international airlines means the airport’s current tworunway system needs to expand.

Development of a proposed third runway, with an east-west orientation (as provided for in our 2013 Master Plan), will accommodate the increase in aircraft movements.

Multiple technical studies are underway to inform the third runway project. Some of these include ecology, cultural heritage, traffic impacts, airspace flight paths and engineering. The project will be subject to extensive community consultation before it is submitted to the Federal Government for approval.

Keep reading Gateway for the latest information on what is going on at Melbourne Airport. 

Melbourne Airport is a proud member of the local community and supports a number of community organisations.

One of those is Western Chances, a St Albans-based not-for-profit that provides scholarships to talented young people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Now in its eleventh year, Western Chances supports hundreds of young people identified by their schools as having the talent and motivation to achieve, but lacking the finances and opportunities to fully pursue their academic dreams. The scholarship money is put to practical use with the purchase of specialist equipment and textbooks, internet access fees and public transport fares.

Melbourne Airport is a strong supporter of Western Chances and this year our funding will support 70 scholarships, recognising the importance of education in shaping the lives of our young people.

The difference a Western Chances scholarship can make is profound. Speaking at the Western Chances Good Business Forum fundraiser in June, scholarship recipient Melissa Garwood had many in the audience wiping away tears as she spoke of the barriers she had to overcome to achieve her life’s dreams.

The second of nine children, Melissa’s family life was turbulent and she experienced many roadblocks in pursuing her education. She did, however, enjoy going to school; in fact, she realised she was academically one of the best in her class and this fuelled her desire to push on.

Western Chances scholarship holder Melissa Garwood.

Melissa’s student welfare coordinator at her secondary school recognised her talent and made certain she had a uniform and textbooks, which she otherwise could not afford. Not long after, Melissa succeeded in obtaining a Western Chances scholarship.

The Western Chances scholarship was ongoing, helping to support Melissa as she gained entry into a Bachelor of Biomedicine course at the University of Melbourne. She completed this degree with honours and is now in her third year of postgraduate medicine.

To help Western Chances support young people in Melbourne’s west reach their full potential, members of the community can sign up to the Big Dreams campaign at www.givenow.com.au/cause1056 for as little as $10 per month and help change a young person's life.

“Being at school made me happy; academia has always

Melissa’s story is an inspiration but there are many others

For more information visit: www.westernchances.org.au 

been my haven. I read books voraciously because I wanted to be in any world but my own,” she told the audience.

who face the same hurdles to academic and career success.

For them all, the Western Chances scholarships have made a massive difference.

3

A glimpse into the new Terminal 4 Terminal 4 is more than just a new home for Jetstar, Tigerair and Regional Express—it also promises exciting new retail and dining experiences for passengers and visitors.

The new terminal will host a diverse number of retail stores and food and beverage outlets, with several opening their doors at an Australian airport for the first time. Many are iconic brands and others household names. While waiting in the departure lounge for their flight to be called, passengers can enjoy an extensive, welcoming and comforting shopping and dining experience.

Terminal 4 is about a seamless experience for passengers, from arrival to departure. The first stage of an elevated loop road from Airport Drive will provide access to the multilevel transport hub and terminal precinct for vehicle passengers coming from all directions—the Tullamarine Freeway, the Western Ring Road and from Sunbury via Centre Road.

On level 1 of the hub, two dedicated lanes will make

An iconic Melbourne coffee retailer is coming to Terminal 4.

dropping off passengers easy, with pick up available on level 3.

Located on the transport hub’s ground level is the taxi rank and bus interchange for both pick up and drop off. Parking will

 Profile

What does your role as Executive Planning and Development involve?

What is your focus at present?

My focus is on having the right plans and developments that

The short walk from the transport hub to the terminal will be via a covered walkway, protected from the weather.

airport’s transformation over recent years and being part of a team that has worked to make it a reality. It is also amazing to come to work every day and experience the atmosphere of the airport.

Meet Sarah Renner, Melbourne Airport’s Executive Planning and Development since June 2014.

I lead a talented and diverse team of planners and project development specialists, who are responsible for many of the infrastructure improvements currently taking place at the airport. This includes terminal developments and little known but critical projects such as taxiway slab replacement works and new aircraft parking bays for our airline customers. Our aim is to sustainably grow the airport and make it an asset that all Victorians can feel proud of.

be available on levels 1–7, with disabled bays on levels 1–3.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

meet the needs of our airlines and offer the best experience for the thousands of passengers and visitors who pass through our airport every day.

Describe working at Melbourne Airport?

To work at Melbourne Airport is a privilege. It is a dynamic work environment that offers wide and varied opportunities. I have held roles as Head of Operations, Airfield Manager, Aviation Planning Manager and Retail Operations Manager. It has been fantastic watching the

I enjoy the variety—no day is the same! My role involves extensive interaction with community members, local councils, state and federal government departments and our airlines and passengers, particularly at this busy time as we work to transform the airport. I especially love working with a brilliant Melbourne Airport team.

Have you always been involved in the aviation industry?

I started my career with an aviation degree and a commercial pilot’s licence. I could even fly solo before I could drive, so yes, it’s in my blood!

Passengers can check-in using self-service kiosks and automated bag drop facilities before going through security screening on level 1 and eventually the departure lounge. 

Community Aviation Consultation Group Do you have a question about Melbourne Airport or want to find out more about what is happening at the airport?

Then come and join community and airport representatives at the next Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG) meeting as they discuss the airport and its community.

Community and airport representatives will respond to questions from the public for the first 30 minutes of the meeting.

The next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday 17 November 2015, from 6pm–8pm at the Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club, corner Carrick Drive and Elmhurst Road, Gladstone Park.

Information on CACG meeting times, agendas and minutes from previous meetings are available at www.melbourneairport.com. au/cacg 

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The best in customer Melbourne Airport at your service local shopping centre Melbourne Airport has been out and about in the community updating residents with what’s going on at the airport as it undertakes the biggest transformation in its history.

Throughout July and August, an information stand at the Broadmeadows and Airport West shopping centres has brought to the attention of shoppers and residents the developments at the airport, including the new Terminal 4, the opening of Airport Drive and the Runway Development Program.

Gladstone Park Shopping Centre will next host the information stand from 24 August, so if you haven’t already visited us in person, there is still time to do so. The information stand is attended during lunch hours on most days, so come and have a chat with airport staff— it’s an opportunity to ask questions in person about the different projects currently underway.

If you can’t make it during lunch or the information stand is unattended, you can call and speak to us on 9297 1597 or email community@melair.com.au. 

Melbourne Airport by the numbers ººTotal passengers increased by 4% to 32 million for 2014/2015. ººInternational passengers increased by 8% to 8.3 million for 2014/2015. ººDomestic passengers increased by 2% to 23.8 million for 2014/2015. ººPassenger growth by passport holder for 2014/15: Japan (45%), France (36%), China (24%), Hong Kong (14.5%), Vietnam (14%), India (13%), South Korea (13%), Sri Lanka (13%).

ººApproximately 10 million pieces of hand luggage are screened every year.

ººApproximately 1,800 passengers are screened every hour. ººCarbon emissions have been reduced by 10% since 2007. ººWaste to landfill has been reduced by 43% since 2007. ººMelbourne accounts for 49% of all air freight exports in Australia. ººCapital expenditure since 2007: $2.48 billion.* *As at May 2015

The third annual Melbourne Airport Customer Service Awards ceremony was held on Monday 15 June recognising excellence in customer service at the airport.

Nominations were received from passengers, visitors, management and staff from across the airport.

Nominations were considered by a panel comprising of Melbourne Airport staff and airline representatives.

All award winners provided exceptional service to customers, with several literally saving their lives!

respond to a vehicle accident outside the terminal, providing comfort and support to an injured passenger until emergency services arrived.

All award winners embody the values outlined in Melbourne Airport’s Customer Service Charter for service that is ‘personal, friendly and responsive’ and to treat every customer interaction as a ‘moment to remember’.

Congratulations to all the award winners for 2015!

Award winners

ISS Security’s Warren Jones and Rob Clark performed life-saving CPR for 20 minutes on a passenger in Terminal 4—the second occasion they have been recognised for their heroics in assisting ill passengers.

‘Moment To Remember’ Customer Service Professional Awards— Peter Cortazzo, TGS; Elisapeta Faato, Assetlink; Gina Macri, Australian Produce; Muhammad Tariq Hassan, TGS; and Tim Eccles, NTL Aviation.

Peter Cortazzo, of TechGuard Security, was another who came to the aid of a passenger, who had suffered a stroke after disembarking an international flight, his swift actions saving that person’s life.

‘One Airport, One Team’ Customer Service Team Award— Warren Jones and Rob Clark of ISS Security; United Lift Services; and Sunglass Hut (Terminal 2).

Elisapeta Faato, of cleaning services provider Assetlink, was quick to

Customer Service Organisation Achievement Award—Malaysia Airlines & Menzies Aviation. 

Simon Gandy Acting CEO Simon Gandy has been appointed as Melbourne Airport’s Acting Chief Executive Officer following the departure of former CEO, Mr Chris Woodruff, who officially left the role at the end of June.

Mr Gandy has 25 years’ experience within the aviation industry including senior leadership roles at Heathrow and Gatwick airports in Great Britain.

Mr Gandy joined Melbourne Airport in 2007 and after holding several senior executive leadership roles, is currently the Executive Aeronautical, responsible for growing and developing Melbourne Airport’s aeronautical capacity, including attracting new airlines and new services to Victoria. 

 Keep up to date on what’s happening at Melbourne Airport by: Bookmarking our website at www.melbourneairport.com.au Like us on Facebook at:

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Contact us via the community relations line (03) 9297 1597 or community@melair.com.au

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