FAQ
What is the Noise Management Plan?
A document that outlines the way in which the City manages aircraft operations and the potential impacts on the community.
Why am I being asked to comment on the proposed changes to the Busselton-Margaret River Airport’s Noise Management Plan (2015)?
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulates operations at the Airport through conditions including a Noise Management Plan (NMP). The NMP (2015) has been revised and some changes proposed may have an impact on residents located near the Airport; this is your opportunity to comment.
What are the key changes?
The key changes include:
· Standard hours of operation - to enable larger aircraft, such as A320/B737, to operate during the night (11pm - 6am)
· Noise reduction criteria for residential properties
Why are night time flights important?
A new unproven route can be seen as a risk to airlines that currently operate alternate profitable routes.
As this is a new and unproven route, airlines are likely to want flights at night using aircraft that are sitting idle at that time on the Eastern Seaboard until the route demand has been proven.
It is important the City remains flexible in the event an airline wishes to take this approach.
Does the proposed change in aircraft operating times mean all aircraft will be operating 24 hours a day?
No.
The proposed changes will only enable commercial airlines and larger aircraft (such as A320/B737) to operate 24 hours with City approval.
How many night time flights could there be?
If an airline feels it does need to prove the route, there could be up to three night time flights per week in the first few years.
Will there always be night time flights?
The City expects that night time flights would change to day time flights as passenger demand is proven.
How many new services are proposed as a result of the Airport upgrade?
The table below estimates the number of proposed services and destinations for the year listed:
|
Year |
Proposed No. of Services/week |
Proposed No. of Night Flights / week |
Destination |
|
2018/2019 |
3 2 (freight) |
3 |
Melbourne International |
|
2019/2020 |
3 1 2 (freight) |
3 1 |
Melbourne Sydney International |
|
2020/2021 |
4 3 3 (freight) |
3 2 |
Melbourne Sydney International |
|
2023/2024 |
5 3 3 (freight) |
2 1 |
Melbourne Sydney International |
|
2030/2031 |
6 3 3 (freight) |
1 0 |
Melbourne Sydney International |
What are ‘noise reduction criteria’?
The number of times noise measurements are exceeded that may result in treatment to properties to reduce indoor aircraft noise levels.
Why has the noise reduction criteria changed?
To bring it into line with the Australian Standards.
What are typical types of noise reduction treatments for properties?
· insulation placed in roofs and walls
· double glazed windows
· door replacements
How do I know if my property qualifies for noise reduction treatment?
The Noise Management Plan outlines the criteria and the process. These are not being changed.
Why are information sessions being held for specific areas?
Some areas maybe more affected than others. Residents from these areas are being given the opportunity to ask questions relating to their specific location, although all members of the public are welcome to attend any session.
How can I obtain further information?
Copies of the following documents are available for download under the Documents Library.
· Draft Noise Management Plan (2017)
· Council Report of 8 February 2017
· Updated Noise Contours
Limited hardcopies of the documents are available to view at the Busselton Library.
If you have a question regarding any of these documents please contact Airport Project Team AirportProject@busselton.wa.gov.au or 9781 0444.