Airport West, Victoria


Airport West is a suburb 12 km north-west of Melbourne, Australia. Its local government area is the City of Moonee Valley. At the, Airport West had a population of 7,564.
Bounded by the Calder Freeway to the south, the Tullamarine Freeway to the east, and the Western Ring Road to the north west, Airport West is so named for its position to the west of Essendon Airport, Melbourne's first general airport now used for light planes, charter and freight since the opening in 1970 of Melbourne Airport, located to the north of the suburb.
It has the distinction of being the only locality in Australia which does not itself contain an airport to contain the word "Airport."

History

The present Airport West post office opened on 22 November 1982. The Niddrie North office which opened in 1960 was known as Airport West between 1974 and 1982, before reverting to Niddrie North.

Transport

travels from Westfield Airport West, then runs via Matthews Avenue, Keilor Road, Mount Alexander Road, Fletcher Street, Pascoe Vale Road, Mount Alexander Road, Flemington Road and then terminates at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street, at Flinders Street station.
The Albion-Jacana freight line passes through Airport West near its north and west boundary. A railway line to Melbourne Airport via Airport West has been proposed under The Greens 2008 People Plan.
The currently congested Tullamarine Freeway and Calder Freeway interchange saw a redevelopment to help traffic flow easier in 2006–2007.
Seven bus routes operated by CDC Melbourne and Kastoria Bus Lines also service the suburb, and a Night Network also operates around the area.

Commerce

is a shopping centre that was built in the northern corner of the suburb. Opening in 1976 and undergoing redevelopments in 1982 and 1999, it includes a Village cinema complex. Other shopping areas in the suburb are also located on McNamara Avenue. The suburb contains much light industrial, manufacturing, and freight businesses due to its proximity to Essendon Airport, Melbourne Airport and to the recently built Direct Factory Outlets. Silver Circus, one of Australian's most popular circus is based in the area for over 40 years, though it often tours around Victoria.

Educational facilities

Airport West has one government primary school, a Catholic primary school and a secondary school. Bravissimi Italian Language School

Sport

, an Australian Rules football team, competes in the Essendon District Football League.

Notable people