Melbourne airport runway proposal causing stress among communities, critics say

Federal decision about $1.9bn project delayed until end of year as local council flags possiblity of compensation for aircraft noise

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Communities in Melbourne's west are facing stress and financial uncertainty around the development of a third runway at Melbourne airport, critics say, with the decision expected to take up to another six months.

The aviation sector had been anticipating a decision by the commonwealth on the $1.9bn project would be handed down by mid-June, but industry sources have told Guardian Australia it is now expected towards the end of the year.

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