Mr Kelvin Thomson asked the Minister for Transport and Regional Development, upon notice, on 1 October 1997:

(1) Has he indicated to potential purchasers of Essendon Airport that they will not be permitted to redevelop the site for residential purposes.

(2) If so, what legal instrument will prevent the purchaser of Essendon Airport from redeveloping the site for residential purposes.

(3) Will he rule out residential redevelopment of the airport site or any part of it under any circumstances.

(4) What development will he permit at Essendon Airport under private ownership and has he advised potential purchasers of the possibilities.

(5) Will he permit (a) a 24 hour a day amusement park or (b) sporting facilities to be developed at the site.

(6) Did officials from his Department state at a Senate Estimates Committee hearing on 20 August 1997 that covenants requiring continued operation of the site as an airport could be removed with the joint consent of the Federal and Victorian Governments; if so, how does this reconcile with his reported comments referred to in part (1).

Mr Vaile (Transport and Regional Development) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) Yes; Essendon Airport is being offered for sale on a long-term leasehold basis as an airport. The Department of Transport and Regional Development has advised bidders that subleases for residential purposes are not permitted.

(2) Section 34(1) of the Airports Act 1996 provides that Regulations may prohibit specified kinds of subleases of an airport lease. Subleases for residential purposes are specifically prohibited under Regulation 2.04(2)(b) of the Airports Regulations.

(3) See above.

(4) Developments that are appropriate to its role as an airport and its location within the surrounding community will be permitted.

(5) The Airports Act 1996 requires airport master plans and major development plans to be developed and submitted for ministerial approval. Master Plans for leased Federal Airports will go through a public consultation process, before being considered at Ministerial level. Before approving a master plan, the Minister must:

. ensure it meets the overall aviation operational requirements;

. consider the effect it would have on the use of land within and around the airport; and

. consider the consultations undertaken in preparing the plan.

Any proposed major development will go through this process.

(6) Yes. However, this was in the event that the Airport was sold freehold. The Government is now offering Essendon Airport leasehold under the Airports Act 1996.