Councils slam flight plan
Councils in New South Wales are raising concerns over the proposed flight paths for Western Sydney International Airport.
Councils say the lack of a curfew contrasts with Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport's 11pm to 6am restrictions.
Wollondilly Shire Council has labelled the decision as “manifestly unfair”, highlighting that residents, especially in the northern shire, will bear the brunt of night-time flights.
The absence of a curfew at Badgerys Creek and the introduction of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis planning policy, which bans secondary dwellings in noise-impacted areas, have sparked debate over fairness and environmental impacts.
Additionally, environmental concerns extend to the Warragamba Dam and catchment area, with the council questioning the adequacy of the environmental impact assessment in addressing potential risks from airport operations.
The City of Canterbury Bankstown has also highlighted the social inequality ramifications of the flight paths, noting that the suburbs most affected are among Australia's poorest.
The federal government is reviewing over 8,000 submissions on the flight path plan, with a spokesperson for Minister Catherine King acknowledging the concerns about noise and stating efforts to minimise residential impact.