RAAF Williams, Laverton Base

The closure was a result of military rationalization and consolidation. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) restructured its assets, leading to the centralization of flying operations at other bases like RAAF Base East Sale. Additionally, the rapid westward urban expansion of Melbourne made the large parcel of land extremely valuable for residential and commercial development, contributing to the decision to sell the site.

The site of the former airfield has been completely redeveloped. It is now the large, master-planned suburb of 'Williams Landing'. The former runways and taxiways have been replaced by a major town centre, a shopping complex, a train station on the Werribee railway line, and extensive residential housing estates with thousands of homes. While the airfield is gone, a smaller, non-flying portion of RAAF Base Laverton remains active to the north, housing various defence and administrative units.

RAAF Base Laverton was one of Australia's oldest and most important air force bases. Established in 1925, it was the RAAF's second base after Point Cook. During World War II, it was a critical hub for both defence and training, hosting numerous squadrons equipped with aircraft like Wirraways, Spitfires, and Kittyhawks. It was the main fighter base defending Melbourne. Post-war, it transitioned into a major support, logistics, and training hub. It was home to the No. 1 Aircraft Depot, which was responsible for major aircraft maintenance, repair, and assembly for the RAAF. The base also housed various administrative headquarters and training units over its lifetime. Along with the nearby RAAF Point Cook, it formed the RAAF Williams complex, a cornerstone of RAAF presence in Victoria for over 70 years.

There are zero prospects for reopening the airport. The land has been irreversibly and comprehensively redeveloped for urban use. The infrastructure required for an airport, including runways and buffer zones, has been entirely replaced by a dense suburban community, making any future aviation use impossible.