Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport
The Society's involvement
Release of the Report from the Senate Inquiry into the impact of aircraft noise
The Senate Inquiry Report into the impact of aircraft noise was released on 27 November 2024. You can access the Report here: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportsen/RB000436/toc_pdf/Impactandmitigationofaircraftnoise.pdf
Pleasingly:
The Senate has recognised the importance of the natural environment adjacent to the WSI and the fact that there is potential for the noise associated with the aircraft flight paths to have a detrimental effect on the native animals. They also acknowledged the great concern that local residents have for broader adverse impacts on the World Heritage Area and the importance that UNESCO places on the Federal Government’s responsibility to mitigate any adverse impacts.
The two recommendations that most closely relate to our GBMWHA and the adjacent protected areas (such as Burragorang State Conservation Area) are Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 10 (see below).
In its submissions and letters to Ministers, the Society has particularly emphasized the importance of both collecting baseline data about the ambient noise levels in these natural areas, and the species of birds and other animals present in these areas to enable an assessment of any adverse impact after the airport becomes operational AND then design and implement plans to mitigate any negative impacts.
Disappointingly:
The Senate Inquiry’s report fails to address the power imbalance between the for-profit aviation industry and the communities -both wilderness and human - whose health are adversely affected by aircraft the noise.
There are no recommendations for any restrictions on the massive growth of the aviation industry and its accompanying noise and pollution such as flight caps or curfews. By 2033 the number of aircraft movements for WSI annually is predicted to be 81,000 which is on average one movement every 5 minutes many of which are over the World Heritage Wilderness. By 2055, this number will be 226,000 movements annually which is about one flight every 2 minutes.
The Society will continue to advocate for the rights of the World Heritage Area.
Relevant Senate Inquiry Recommendations:
Recommendation 1: 2.80 The committee recommends that the conditions for approval of the Western Sydney Airport include a requirement for the Western Sydney Airport Corporation to study the impact of its flights on Australian native species.
Recommendation 10:4.64 The committee recommends that the Australian Government moves Australia's flight path design principles towards an altitude based priorities approach—with a view to prioritising minimising noise for communities, and for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks (below a certain altitude). The Government should conduct an expert review to establish what altitudes should be set for Australian conditions.
What you can do
The EIS currently sits with the Federal Minister for the Environment for her consideration and recommendations.
Write to Minister Plibersek urgently to tell her to adopt the Senate Inquiry’s Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 10 (details above).
Demand Western Sydney Airport Co establish an independent, scientifically rigorous program of monitoring of the soundscape across the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Data needs to be collected about the ambient noise level at various locations including remote areas, and the species of animals, particularly birds, that are currently present in those same areas. This needs to happen before the opening of the airport and continue after the airport becomes operational.
Demand that flight path design principles are implemented that minimize noise for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks, including the GBMWHA.
Write to Minister King telling her also to adopt these same recommendations as part of the conditions imposed on the approval of the EIS.
Send a copy of your letters to MP Susan Templeman.
Email addresses:
Environment Minister Plibersek:
Minister.Plibersek@dcceew.gov.au
Infrastructure Minister King:
Minister.King@mo.infrastructure.gov.au
MP Susan Templeman:
susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au
What is the problem?
The proposed flight paths from Western Sydney International airport will fly low over the southern sections of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) which includes declared wilderness areas. They will also fly low over the adjoining Burragorang State Conservation Area, lying 13 km from the airport, and Lake Burragorang (Sydney’s drinking water).
We are concerned about:
- The negative impact the noise from the aircraft overflights will have on the wildlife, particularly birds, and which will increase as the airport becomes busier. International research data clearly demonstrates the negative effect of high levels of noise on avian communities, which then impacts the whole habitat. There is no comparable research on noise impacts on Australian ecosystems or species, and there is no scientifically valid data included in the EIS for species of fauna occurring in the GBMWHA that might be impacted.
- The loss of visual amenity and natural quiet of the GBMWHA as aircraft fly over, particularly over Kangara-Boyd National Park, the Jamison Valley, the Blue Labyrinth, and the scenic tourist attractions around the escarpment at Katoomba and Echo Point.
What we want:
- No flights under 30,000 ft over the GBMWHA in line with other countries' standard for World Heritage.
- Monitoring of the noise impacts of flights once they start flying from WSI.
- A whole of Sydney Basin design of flight paths for those from both Kingsford Smith Airport, WSI and the smaller airports.
- Night-time curfew
- Long-term operating plan
- Cap on aircraft movements
The campaign so far
The Society has:
- Submitted a response to the EIS for draft Flight Paths in Jan 2024
- Submitted a response to the Senate Inquiry into the impact of aircraft noise on regional communities 2024
- Submitted a response to the proposed alterations to RRO (Reciprocal Runway Operations) flight path changes August 2024
- As witnesses, attended the Senate Hearing on 9 August 2024 at Penrith and the Senate Hearing in Canberra on 20 Sept as members of the public.
- Met with MP Susan Templeman, MP Trish Doyle, Senator Matt Canavan (Chair of the Senate Inquiry), and personnel from Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King’s office.
- Worked with RAWSA, the western Sydney Residents Flight Path Coalition in forming strategies and meeting with politicians and others, producing and distributing flyers.
- Met with CEO Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute to discuss plans regarding potential effects on GBMWHA.
- Raised the issue of airport noise in Society members’ meetings.
- Published information in Hut News and eblasts.
Next steps:
We have meetings scheduled with:
- The CEO of Western Sydney Airport Co and representatives of Department of Infrastructure
- University of Western Sydney researchers to discuss data collection and monitoring of noise and its effects on wildlife (in particular, birds)
We will Request a meeting with Environment Minister Plibersek.
What you can do
- Write to both our Local Member MP Susan Templeman and the Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King to tell them that the World Heritage Area is important to you, and you want it protected from the negative effects of aircraft noise.
- Remind them that the Australian Government has a duty to protect this UNESCO listed natural area
- Remind them also that visitors from around the world come to the Blue Mountains to experience the beauty of this expansive wilderness. Our international reputation will be tarnished by low-flying aircraft over this iconic place.
- Check out the flyer on the RAWSA website as well for further hints about what to put in your letter. (https://www.birdsnotboeings.com/contact-your-local-member)
© 2025 Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land
– the Darug and Gundungurra people –
and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
If you'd like to give feedback about this page please contact: webmaster@bluemountains.org.au