The topic of the impact and mitigation of aircraft noise was referred to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report. The report was released on 27 November 2024 and is available here. The report made 21 recommendations on a variety of topics with significant implications for the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman (ANO), Airservices Australia (Airservices), the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, airports and the community:
- Investigation of operational changes to limit noise impacts, including higher tailwind take-off thresholds, maximum possible use of SODPROPS and standardisation of continuous descent operations and continuous climb operations at major airports. All recommendations to be supported by adequate air traffic control staffing.
- Research into the impacts of aircraft noise exposure on human health.
- A study on the impact of flights on native species at Western Sydney International airport.
- Greater consideration of aircraft noise impacts in the flight path design process.
- Reviews of major airspace changes by the new independent ANO and broader airspace reviews when a metropolitan airport adds a new or expanded runway.
- Tightened timeframes for dealing with flight path change requests and public explanation of delays.
- Improvements to Airservices’ community engagement processes.
- Removal of the Noise Complaints and Information Service from Airservices.
- Master Plans and Major Development Plans (where applicable) be required to address compensation for residents affected by additional aircraft noise generated by airports; to better identify potential noise impacts and to monitor and report on them.
- Consideration of the use of government levies under the Aircraft Noise Levy Act 1995.
- Increased availability of technical information and support regarding aircraft noise related issues including a comprehensive user-friendly website.
- Stronger government participation in airport community meetings.
- Consideration of mechanisms to ensure planning authorities notify airports of significant proposed developments near them.
These recommendations add to changes in aircraft noise management in Australia proposed in the Aviation White Paper.
The ANO welcomes the increased attention to the impacts of aircraft noise and will work constructively with government towards the implementation of improvements in this area.