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).

• 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.

• 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 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.

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.

• 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)