Greens councillors have called for Blue Mountains residents to make submissions on a Senate Bill that will give communities greater say over aircraft noise and flight paths.
Greens Transport spokesperson Janet Rice has a Bill in the Senate to amend the Air Services Act so that communities are consulted on, and can appeal, flight path decisions. The Bill has been referred to a Senate committee inquiry for review and public comment.
Cr Brown said, “I urge everyone to make a submission supporting this Bill. Blue Mountains residents are already affected by noise from Sydney Airport flights and the Federal Government has approved Western Sydney Airport [at Badgerys Creek] without a curfew or other flight restrictions.”
Cr Brown said Senator Rice’s proposed legislation will set “clear, legal requirements for consultation and reporting by Airservices Australia (AA) when proposing a new flight path that could affect the human or natural environment.
"At the moment, we are rendered helpless. Senator Rice’s Bill will give greater protection for us and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. It will empower anyone affected by aircraft noise to request a review of new or changed flight paths since 1 January 2012.”
Cr Brown said this legislation could also help raise questions "as to Western Sydney Airport's viability once the impact of flightpaths is legally factored in.”
Cr Brent Hoare said the Greens remain "resolutely opposed to the Western Sydney Airport. All the evidence shows that High Speed Rail is a better option”.
He said the Bill would also “strengthen community representation by establishing an independent Aircraft Noise Ombudsman and an independent Community Aviation Advocate”.
Submissions close on May 30.