Stephen Byron, Canberra Airport CEO. Photo: Andrew Taylor
Residential development on land around Canberra Airport would be blocked under a proposal released last week by the NSW government.
Designed to protect the airport's 24-hour curfew-free status for passenger and freight operations, the proposed planning policy would prevent approval for increased density development on land within a key noise contour area taking in parts of Queanbeyan City, Palerang and Yass Valley local government areas.
Inviting public feedback on the policy, Department of Planning and Infrastructure deputy director-general Richard Pearson said the policy would block inappropriate residential rezonings while protecting the rights of about 8000 existing landowners in the designated noise contour area.
Mr Pearson said the proposal was developed in response to concerns from the Commonwealth and ACT governments and the aviation industry, while accounting for current and projected aircraft movements from the airport as well as flight paths and noise.
''This proposal represents a sensible and balanced approach, which also recognises that Canberra Airport is a significant economic asset to the state's south,'' he said.
NSW state duty MLC for Monaro Steve Whan said the policy could have unforseen consequences, including preventing new or expanded education and childcare facilities in the zone.
''Local residents need to have a close look at whether this will impact on the proposed preschool at Letchworth, any future expansion of Jerrabomberra Public School or even any future change of use for Jerrabomberra Community Centre,'' he said.
''This is a very significant planning proposal which would make it official that the area surrounding Canberra Airport would be treated differently to every other airport in Australia.''
Mr Whan said residents supported limited freight flights into the airport.
Canberra Airport managing director Stephen Byron called for a significant public awareness campaign so new home owners would be aware of ''ever-increasing aircraft noise on a 24-hour basis'' without future rights of appeal.
''I am pleased the proposal reinforces the protection of Canberra's 24-hour curfew-free status,'' he said. ''It ensures that there will be a formal protection zone, guaranteed to be free of residential development. As the only curfew-free 747-capable airport in the region, Canberra is important for Australia, important for Sydney and important for NSW.''
In November, the NSW government approved 2000 new homes with strict aircraft noise-abating features at the controversial Tralee housing development.
As part of the proposal, all new houses in South Tralee will be insulated against aircraft noise as a precautionary measure, exceeding NSW legislative requirements and the Australian Standard for noise intrusion in buildings.
The proposal is on public exhibition until May 10 and can be viewed at planning.nsw.gov.au/proposals.
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