Royal Australian Air Force: Big reductions from new Australian Noise Exposure Forecast maps.

The new noise map released by the RAAF will see "significant chunks of suburbs" in Port Stephens no longer classified as noise-affected by the new generation JSF fighter when it begins using the Williamtown base.

THE MAP 

The map shows a dramatic reduction in noise-affected areas across Medowie, Salt Ash, Raymond Terrace, Oyster Cove, Swan Bay and the proposed Kings Hill development.

The new Australian Noise Exposure Forecast 2025 (ANEF) for the RAAF base and the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range was released last week and replaces the October, 2009 ANEF.

The 2009 ANEF saw 3473 properties noise affected.

But the secretary for defence senator David Feeney estimated at last week's release that "hundreds of residents" would now be better off.

COUNCIL RESPONSE

Port Stephens Council will start implementing the new Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast map for development applications immediately.

The council's sustainable planning manager, David Broyd told the Examiner as of last Thursday any development application or planning certificate processed would take into account the new ANEF.

But he said formalities to include the maps into the council's development control plan would take place in the coming weeks.

Mr Broyd said anyone who had submitted a DA for an area that was affected, but was now no longer or lesser affected, would be contacted by post and asked to resubmit or alter the documentation.

SENATOR FEENEY 

Senator Feeney said the federal government had listened to the concerns of residents to create a harmonious balance.

"Aircraft noise will never be eliminated at Williamtown, but defence is doing everything it can to minimise the impact," he said.

"Defence is making every effort to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on the local community and give certainty to local residents."

The dramatic reduction in contours was a result of research in the United States which indicated take off and landing noise levels of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) would require less power and therefore create less noise than the current F/A-18 Hornets over residential areas.

The JSF will also not use the Salt Ash Weapons Range for bombing, the base runway will be extended to 10,000 feet and military flight paths have been reviewed to further reduce impact on residents.

Source:  http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au