Mundaring Shire calls for Perth Airport to act over noise concerns

MUNDARING Shire is objecting to Shire residents being exposed to louder and more frequent aircraft noise.

Councillors last night revised a draft letter by Shire staff to Perth Airport chief executive Kevin Brown after receiving an invitation to comment on the airport’s major development plan.

The Shire’s letter noted the social and economic benefits of airport expansion, but drew attention to the impact of noise exceeding N65 (noise decibels) in foothill suburbs.

“When the new runway opens, exposure to aircraft noise will be unchanged for most metropolitan areas,” said the letter.

“For some there will be a reduction, while for others there will be an increase. Over time, the number of flights will grow in all areas”.

Mapping shows Parkerville, Hovea and Stoneville will experience less noise above 65 decibels, while the foothill suburbs of Swan View, Midvale, Helena Valley, Darlington and Greenmount are likely to expose more people to aircraft noise above 65 decibels.

A normal conversation measures at 60 decibels and stress can be reduced by keeping levels below 50 decibels in areas where people need to do work requiring concentration, according to WorkSafe WA.

The presence of existing aircraft noise over Hills’ suburbs should not be taken as tolerance for further noise continues the letter, with the Shire suggesting the airport subsidise mitigation measures for those exposed to greater impacts.

A report to council advises of community concerns about a new flight path over Helena Valley, Boya, Darlington, Glen Forrest and Mundaring.

The new runway is intended to be operational between 2023 and 2028.

Council said the timeframe suggested ‘substantial modifications’ to the project were unlikely following the consultation period.

The Shire asked for transport studies to examine the impact of the proposed closure of Grogan Road, currently the most direct airport access for Hills’ residents.