Riverton resident Bill Gleeson said he would continue to fight for flight path reform.
Camera IconRiverton resident Bill Gleeson said he would continue to fight for flight path reform. Credit: Supplied/Pia van Straalen

Locals unhappy with flight-path backflip

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

In March, ASA announced three proposals to change how or where aircraft fly with outcomes pending environmental assessment and consultation.

On August 7 via text and their website, ASA announced the trial would not go ahead after an environmental analysis revealed that changes to the existing flight paths could increase the number of people affected by aircraft noise rather than decrease.

The decision was a surprise for groups who previously took aim at ASA's lack of community communication and consultation in its decision making.

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ASA executive general manager for safety, environment and assurance Rob Weaver said implanting the change would not result in net noise improvement for residents below the flight path and the decision to not go ahead was based on considering Perth air space "holistically."

"We understand that those Perth residents living along the Swan River flight corridor who would have benefited from the change will be disappointed," he said.

Riverton resident and member of the Share Noise Action Group Bill Gleeson said he was disappointed in the decision but would continue to lobby for a change.

"It's devastating, we were stabbed in the back (by ASA)," he said.

"It took two years to get to where we are and I don't think it's over, we will keep up the fight."

Mr Gleeson called on Federal member for Tangney Dennis Jenson to find out the reasons behind the decision.

However, Dr Jensen declined to comment when approached by the Canning Times.