Airservices flag more flights over the Redlands
Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike, has warned that the Redlands will face increased aircraft noise from next year if new recommendations from Airservices Australia are adopted.
Airservices Australia last week released their draft report and recommendations on the future of Brisbane’s flight paths. The draft report will be subject to a 40 day public consultation period before being finalised ahead of the new year.
Mr Pike said that the draft recommendations are a mixed bag for the Redlands.
“Our community’s vocal opposition to some of the earlier proposals have led to some good outcomes. However, Airservices seem set on progressing a number of concerning changes to flight paths which will affect our bayside community,” Mr Pike said.
“Airservices have recommended exploring options to improve the speed and height of aircraft departing over the bay to get them higher before crossing over the Redlands.”
“But the report also recommends maximising the number of flights departing over the bay, particularly on weekday evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.”
Mr Pike has been leading a public campaign against proposals to shift aircraft noise away from inner city suburbs and over the bayside. A petition opposing the proposed changes has attracted over 1,000 local signatures.
“The most troubling recommendations involve options to redesign southern departure routes to turn sharply over the Redlands, this would represent a significant increase in noise over our suburbs,” Mr Pike said.
“I will be meeting with Airservices this week to outline my concerns with the draft recommendations and seeking assurances on future community consultation as options are further developed.”
The draft recommendations, if adopted in the final report, will require detailed design work, environmental assessment and consultation. This process may take several years to be finalised. However, Airservices have indicated that increasing the number of flights over the bay could begin in early 2023.