Letter to Perth media outlets March 1999.

The Perth Airport Master Plan now before Mr John Anderson, Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development, for approval proposes building of a new parallel runway and predicts an increase in usage of the existing main runway.
Recently New Aircraft Noise Exposure forecasts have been prepared by Airservices Australia at the request of the Minister and reflects operationally acceptable and technically feasible flight tracks. The Airservices Australia Aircraft Noise Exposure forecasts are much worse than the original conception Aircraft Noise Exposure in the Master Plan by Westralia Airports Corporation.
The new 20 Aircraft Noise Exposure forecast contour extends into Kenwick, Beckenham, Langford, Ferndale, Wilson, and takes in parts of Cannington and East Cannington not within the higher contours.
The Australian Standard AS2021-1994 contains recommendations for land use compatibility. According to this standard that within the 20 to 25 Aircraft Noise Exposure contours “some people may find that the land is not compatible with residential use. Land use Authorities may consider that the incorporation of noise control features in the construction of residences is appropriate”.
The new 25 Aircraft Noise Exposure forecast contour extends beyond Elizabeth St in Beckenham for the new parallel runway, and extends to the bridge of Nicholson Rd over the Canning River for the existing main runway. The Standard states Residential, Educational, Hospital and Nursing Home buildings are Unacceptable land use within the 25 Aircraft Noise Exposure contour!
The new 30 Aircraft Noise Exposure forecast contour extends through most of Queens Park as far as Railway Parade.
The Standard for the 30 Aircraft Noise Exposure is unsuitable for even Motels, Hotels, Hostels, and Public Buildings!
The new 35 Aircraft Noise Exposure forecast contour extends into Kewdale/Welshpool industrial area as far as Dowd St.
The Standards says that within the 35 Aircraft Noise Exposure contour Commercial buildings are unsuitable and light industrial development is “conditional”.
It goes without saying that all the areas mentioned are going to be adversely affected by the Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecasts since they are heavily developed with buildings contrary to the Australian Standards for the forecast aircraft noise exposures.
If this Perth Airport Master Plan is approved by Mr John Anderson, The Minister for Transport and Regional Development, what's to happen to these communities? As a resident, I'd like to know where the occupants of the residential areas within the 25 Aircraft Noise Exposure contour will be moved to? Is there enough land in Perth to accommodate a new Queens Park, Cannington, East Cannington, and Beckenham? Who will compensate those whose residences within the 20-25 Aircraft Noise Exposure contours that require the incorporation of noise control features? Affected businesses, and owners of Public Buildings, Hotels, Motels, Commercial Buildings would all have to be asking the same questions!
The Perth Airport Master Plan forecasts a dramatic change to the status quo, and I think significantly alters our future expectations of the Airport from when we moved in, built our houses, or started our businesses, in this area.

Peter Davidson
Queens Park