Tara Murray
Brimbank council is urging the federal government to progress a range of changes to address what it says are inequities and imbalances that exist within the current legislative and aircraft noise system.
The council made a submission to the government’s Aviation White Paper that is expected to set the long-term policies to guide the next generation of growth and innovation in the aviation sector.
The paper examines issues across the aviation sector, in four specific areas. Brimbank council’s submission focuses on better mechanisms for consultation on and management of issues like aircraft noise, airport development planning and changing security requirements.
The council’s submission included 17 recommendations and centred around the council’s submission to the Melbourne Airport’s draft master plan and preliminary draft major development plan for the third runway.
“Council seeks the federal government to restore a level of balance and equity for those communities that surround airports to minimise the harm to human health from aircraft noise and improve airport planning by requiring a more public and transparent process, particularly in relation to community consultation,” a report to the March 21 council meeting said.
The council wants an undertaking of a review of the aircraft noise system to minimise harm to human health. It said it should be a requirement of airports to prepare a health impact assessment (HIA) for the development and expansion of runways and there needs to be an independent and expert advisory committee established.
The council also wants a policy framework established that outlines a compensation scheme for airport-impacted communities.
Councillor Virginia Tachos said while the paper holds some very positive goals, it lacks in a number of areas.
“I hope the federal government looks at our submission and the fine print contained in this piece of work,” she said.
“It [the council submission] focuses on the key issues.
“Whilst we support and want a robust aviation industry, we still need to protect the health and lives of our children and our vulnerable citizens under flight places, schools, hospitals, places of worship, child care centres and aged care centres.”
