NEW ANEF2025:

MASSIVE WIN FOR PEOPLE OF PORT STEPHENS

Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson said the new Australian Noise Exposure Forecast 2025 released this afternoon by the Department of Defence was a massive win for the people of Port Stephens.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the new ANEF2025 and I am thrilled the Government has finally listened to the community and my advocacy,” said Mr Baldwin.

“It is only a shame that local residents had to endure a further 222 days under the previous map than was promised by the Prime Minister.

“Residents endured 222 extra days of unnecessary and unfair anxiety and financial stress, because Labor failed to replace the ANEF2025 by the end of 2010, as it promised before the election.

“Despite today’s fantastic news, there was a clear warning from Defence.

“The strong message to Port Stephens Council is not to continue to rezone rural land under flight paths for residential development as it will ultimately affect the long term viability of RAAF Base Williamtown.

“The next generation aircraft may be even noisier than the Joint Strike Fighter and Council should not put future residents in jeopardy of shouldering a similar burden to that faced by current residents, whose livelihoods and property values were placed in doubt.

“In particular I would like to thank members of the residents groups SAFE EARS, Save our Castle and the East and West Medowie groups for their hard work and dedication.

“I now look forward to further consultation as the noise map moves through the Environmental Impact Statement period.

“I will continue to hold the Gillard Labor Government to account on this issue to ensure that this win is not overshadowed,” said Mr Baldwin.