Residents Voices Heard Above Aircraft Noise
Date: 09 December 2009
RESIDENTS VOICES HEARD ABOVE AIRCRAFT NOISE
WHITE PAPER ANNOUNCES AIRCRAFT NOISE OMBUDSMAN
Members of the public concerned by aircraft noise will benefit from a new Aircraft Noise Ombudsman, created as part of the Federal Government’s aviation industry shake up made public today within the anticipated National Aviation White Paper.
An Ombudsman focussed on the issue of aircraft noise has been long advocated by Federal Member for Hindmarsh, Steve Georganas MP, whose electorate includes Adelaide Airport.
In the past 5 years, Mr Georganas has twice introduced a private member’s bill to create such an Ombudsman.
“Local residents and I have fought for years for an impartial, independent umpire positioned to be of service to the general public as well as the aviation industry,” Steve Georganas said.
“Hindmarsh residents will rejoice this festive season as their prayers have been answered.
“The petitions, Private Member’s Bills and lobbying has paid off. Federal Labor will give us our umpire.
“This is a great win for residents of Adelaide’s western suburbs and around the country.”
The White Paper states that the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman will be established within Airservices Australia to:
- independently review noise complaints handling procedures and make recommendations for improvements where necessary; and
- improve Airservices’ consultation arrangements and the presentation and distribution of aircraft noise–related information to the general public.
The Aviation White Paper also confirms the continuation of the Adelaide Airport Curfew and points toward the use of technology and curfews working to further reduce the noise impact of airports on affected neighbourhoods around the country.
