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

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

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.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup