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CONTACT BOB
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Put an end to anxiety over aircraft noise
Real solutions are
attainable, writes
Bob Baldwin.
OVER the past few months one of the most frequently raised issues has been aircraft noise and its impact on health and property values with the release of the 2025 Aircraft Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC).
I am determined to make sure each and every one of these people has their voice heard in Canberra. Heard by Defence, heard by the Australian government, and heard by Port Stephens Council.
The most valuable thing I have apart from my family is my home. I am sure you feel the same. This week I was invited to the Safe Ears meeting to address concerns with the ANEC. I appreciated the opportunity to address the facts and dispel some ofthe misinformation being circulated.
The purchase and introduction of the Joint Strike Fighter forms a key part of Australia's future air combat capability. However, the residents of Paterson should not be unfairly burdened with its introduction. I understand the impact that increased noise will have on property values, the ability to build, the ability to sell and the ability to replace damaged property.
I have been working hard with senior Defence officials, local ex- RAAF residents, Port Stephens Council planners and the community. It is clear that consultation to date between the Department of Defence, the council, and the NSW and federal Labor governments has been sorely lacking and ineffective. A Coalition government would establish an independent audit committee to look subjectively at all suggestions to find real and attainable solutions.
They would likely include:
Greens candidate Jan Davis has said she wants Williamtown RAAF Base shut down, which I and the community reject outright. The loss of our base would devastate the Port Stephens economy, the men and women employed here, and the broader community, which understands the prosperity it brings to our region.
That is why we need to find a way for the RAAF and the community to happily coexist as neighbours.
The Minister for Defence. John Faulkner, has been altogether silent on this issue. He has failed to respond to dozens of letters I have written on behalf of those affected.
He has also failed to respond to the concerns of the Safe Ears committee. Instead, he has simply passed the buck onto his most junior Defence portfolio secretary, Mike Kelly, who has already ruled out any form of action for home owners in the ANEC-affected zones.
Delaying the ANEC 2025 noise map, as suggested by Labor candidate Jim Arneman, is only delaying a solution and would create more uncertainty for the people of Port Stephens. Instead of Mr Arneman's proposed inaction, I will be using the time between now and when the map is finalised to take action, consult with the community and come up with a viable noise mitigation plan.
Absolutely vital to any solution is the rethink of the Kings Hill development. Kings Hill limits any ability to direct noise away from Brandy Hill, Riverview Ridge, Lakeside and Medowie by diverting air traffic over that area. I have always been opposed to this development and I am on the record as far back as 2001 on this issue.
Compromising the rights of existing residents and placing thousands more under threat is not an option.
As the Member for Paterson and the Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, I assure the community that I rule nothing out in the pursuit of workable solutions. People shouldn't have to lie awake at night worrying about their homes. I am determined to put an end to this uncertainty and anxiety. 17 July 2010 |
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