1. Introduction
I have been a longstanding resident of the Mulgoa and Wallacia area for around 40 years. We originally moved here for the peace and quiet.
Having reviewed the WSI Airport EIS, I have several concerns regarding the proposed flight paths in the area of Wallacia, where I now reside.
I have listed my concerns, the reasons for those concerns and some ideas for resolving these concerns below.
2. Concerns with Proposed Flight Paths around Wallacia
My main concern is aircraft noise.
2.1 Aircraft Noise
2.1.1 Source of Aircraft Noise over Wallacia
- Flights taking off during RRO mode of operation runway 23, between 11pm and 5.30am
- Early right turn directly over Wallacia
- Noise levels >75dB are likely according to the WSI Airport website.
2.1.2 Reasons for my Concern re Aircraft Noise over Wallacia
- The WHO recommended guidelines for aircraft noise levels are:
- <45 dB Lden and (Above these levels are associated with adverse
- <40 dB Lnight (health effects
- We were forced to follow the WHO’s guidance during COVID, why not now?
- The WHO concludes that aircraft noise pollution causes greater risk to cardiovascular disease and tinnitus (which I suffer from) through sleep deprivation.
- Wallacia is a quiet place at night. Noise pollution is worst at night and is more likely to affect residents’ health.
- There has been no economic modelling related to the negative impact on people’s health and well being.
- There appears to be a misconception that people gradually get used to noise over time. I am 74 years old, and this is not my experience at all.
- Brisbane Airport experience – since 2020, around 25000 complaints have been received and continue. Complainants are systematically stonewalled with prescriptive answers, instead of dealing with the complaints. The noise problems continue, and residents feel duped during community consultations, claiming officials had deliberately downplayed the impact flight paths would have on their lives. I sincerely hope that this is not the case with WSI Airport…
2.2 Concern that more RRO could be prioritised
The population of Wallacia is around 1700, which means we do not have the numbers to influence decisions compared to other local populations, who will be lobbying for more RRO to be used.
2.3 Pollution of Rainwater
A number of residential properties in Wallacia and Mulgoa use collected rainwater for their drinking water and for watering edible plant foods.
It appears to be evident that there are real risks that this water may be polluted by aircraft flying overhead.
3. Ideas to resolve my concerns
- To avoid overflying Wallacia, between 11pm and 5.30am
- Establish a night curfew, similar to Sydney Airport, OR
- Flights taking off during RRO mode of operation runway 23, make an early turn to the left instead of right, OR
- Flights taking off during RRO mode of operation runway 23, make a later turn to the right (eg approx. 1 nautical mile past the end of the runway)
- To ensure the WHO noise guidelines are met during all other flights (eg runway 23 flights to the north west taking off between 5.30am and 11pm)
- Provide noise abatement insulation for all residences in Wallacia
