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