Airservices Australia has developed indicative flight paths for Western Sydney’s proposed airport that demonstrate safe separation with flights operating from Kingsford Smith Airport.
The flight paths also take into account restricted airspace operating around RAAF Base Richmond and the Defence facility at Orchard Hills.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said today that this indicative flight path information, released as part of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, is available for public comment.
“As the EIS states, these are indicative approach and departure tracks with the final flight paths to be designed with community consultation nearer to the time that the airport will commence operations,” Mr Truss said.
“I want to emphasise that these flight paths are not set in stone. They will require refinement and adjustment to strike the right balance between safe and efficient airspace design, while reducing any environmental impacts, including minimising noise impacts on communities.
“I have received feedback from parts of Western Sydney in relation to the flight paths shown as part of the public exhibition period for the EIS and I encourage every member of the community to have their say on the project.
“It is important that community and political leaders do not stir unnecessary fear or anxiety, based on misinformation, about the approach and departure flight paths for the new airport. As the EIS shows, the noise expected to be generated by arriving and departing aircraft at ground level is largely confined to areas of very low residential density adjacent to the airport site.
“There are also new and emerging technologies that will give us greater flexibility to flight path design over the next decade.
“Over the next few years satellite approaches are likely to match the precision of the most accurate instrument landing systems. This technology could benefit the way flight paths are designed in the future.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I want to reassure the community that the Australian Government will consult widely in finalising flight paths and airspace design for a Western Sydney Airport.[/social_quote]
“This is not simply my commitment to Western Sydney—it is required by the laws that govern the regulation of airports, including the operation of new flight paths.
“The Western Sydney Airport will embody the technologies of the 21st Century and be a showpiece for Sydney and Australia.
“This is an important driver for the people and economy of Western Sydney.
“Building a new airport from scratch is a complex task, but the results will serve the needs of Australia and provide long term jobs and economic opportunity for the Western Sydney region.”
