A letter regarding the Australian Noise Exposure Concept 2025 has today been hand-delivered to Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s office.

Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson has requested a formal meeting between Prime Minister Gillard, Defence Minister Stephen Smith and himself to discuss the best way forward to alleviate the impacts of aircraft noise around RAAF Base Williamtown.

“I will be holding the Gillard Labor Government to account on the election promises it made regarding aircraft noise at RAAF Base Williamtown, because residents need certainty and action,” said Mr Baldwin.

“I have requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minster and Defence Minister so that we can formulate an action plan as soon as possible.

“I am convinced that the Coalition’s four point plan is the best way to alleviate the effects of ANEC2025, because it has been developed in consultation with residents, experts and other stakeholders.

“However, I am prepared to work constructively with the Government on all other suggestions in order to get the best result for residents,” said Mr Baldwin.

The Coalition’s four point plan to address aircraft noise at RAAF Base Williamtown is to:

i.      Install a second Instrument Landing System (ILS) with landing approaches from the sea rather than across Brandy Hill and Raymond Terrace.

ii.     Extend the runway towards the sand hills, which will move the noise footprint and remove/reduce the effect of the ANEF on Brandy Hill, Raymond Terrace and Medowie without shifting the noise problem onto other residents.

iii.   Immediately repeal the 2025 ANEC, so that the above measures can be adopted into the computer modelling, showing the reduction of the noise footprint over homes. 

iv.   Establish an Independent Audit Committee to fully examine all proposals that can further mitigate the noise effect on our community.

Mr Baldwin said further work also needed to be undertaken with Port Stephens Council and the New South Government on the “grandfathering” policy as utilised by Ipswich Council in dealing with replacement and/or extension of existing buildings and noise amelioration measures.