By Alexandra Laskie
An aircraft noise monitor will not go back to Keilor village after “a more suitable location” was identified in Moonee Valley.
The body responsible for monitoring aircraft noise at major Australia airports, Airservices Australia, conducted a review of its noise monitoring devices in 2012.
It found the monitor installed at Keilor Girl Guides hall in 2007 did not comply with international standards due to the angle between the monitor and the flight path.
The monitor was removed in April this year.
Airservices conducted a three-month trial, which finished on July 28, at two alternative Keilor sites, in Norwood Drive, Keilor East, and Horseshoe Bend Road, Keilor.
A report detailing the trial says Norwood Drive, Keilor East, is the most suitable location for a permanent noise monitor due to its position under the flight path, the angle of planes taking off and landing, and its proximity to more people affected by low-flying planes.
Brimbank council’s city development director Stuart Menzies said the council has indicated to Airservices that any relocation should be within Keilor.
“Airservices is yet to formally notify council or provide a reason why they are not seeking to retain a noise monitor in Keilor,” Mr Menzies said.
“Council is seeking to retain the noise monitor in Keilor.
“Airservices receives more complaints about aircraft noise from Brimbank residents than any other municipality,” he said.
“This decision means that there will be no noise monitor located in the city of Brimbank.”
He said council officers would continue to negotiate with Airservices to retain a noise monitor in the municipality.
An Airservices spokeswoman said Melbourne Airport’s community aviation consultation group, which includes a representative from Brimbank council, had been notified of the decision to move the monitor.
“Airservices will be talking to the council next week to address any questions they may have,” she said.
Keilor resident Susan Jennison said there must be a noise monitor in Keilor village to ensure the extent of aircraft noise experienced by residents could be recorded.
“This is where the greatest number of people are affected,” she said.
