LABOR PLAN FOR AIRCRAFT NOISE AT RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN A FARCE

Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson today condemned the Gillard Labor Government over its lack of commitment to tackling aircraft noise in and around RAAF Base Williamtown.

Mr Baldwin said that today’s announcement outlined a proposal for more talk, more inaction and bandaid solutions that will not address the long term effects of aircraft noise on Paterson residents.

“Simply put, Mr Arneman has no idea about the issues involved and has placed his faith in Mike Kelly who has already said he doesn’t believe there is anything more that can be done to help residents,” Mr Baldwin said.

“For example, Labor has announced that it will establish another government talk-fest despite the ongoing operation of the Williamtown Consultative Forum, which includes federal, state, council and RAAF representation.

“Furthermore, Labor couldn’t even commit to extending the Williamtown runway, instead it was only able to commit to talking about it. This is clearly designed to give Labor an out to do nothing if elected.

Mr Baldwin said the time for talk was over and if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election it will:

1.       Install a second Instrument Landing System (ILS) which will result in more aircraft approaching from the sea rather than across Brandy Hill and Raymond Terrace;

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

3.       Immediately repeal and replace the 2025 ANEF so that the above measures can be incorporated into new noise contour maps; and

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

“The Coalition will also continue working with Port Stephens Council to implement the same ‘grandfathering’ policy as used by Ipswich Council in dealing with aircraft noise at RAAF Base Amberley. Importantly, this policy applies to both current and future owners of the property,” Mr Baldwin said.

“The Coalition is committed to taking action, as opposed to Labor which has committed to more talk, more weasel words and more inaction.

Mr Baldwin criticised Mr Arneman for suggesting that he had not engaged with the Government on this issue.

“The reality is that I have spoken at length and face to face with Mike Kelly in the Parliament regarding aircraft noise. I have also sent Dr Kelly numerous letters on behalf of concerned residents.

“Mr Arneman has out and out mislead the community about this issue, and Paterson residents will see through this shallow attempt to score political points.

“Instead of holding a farcical eleventh hour press conference, the Gillard Labor Government should have announced a concrete plan for action, rather than insulting residents with a proposal for more talk.

“Despite Labor having three years with the full resources of Government, it has today announced that it is still considering what to do.

“I have listened to residents and I have listened to experts, and that is why I am committed to beginning the implementation of the Coalition’s policies the day after we win the election.”