Noise row heats up at airport

www.bucc.bundaberg.qld.gov.au

FOR Bundy Flying School operator Michael Cox, safety of novice pilots is of prime concern and why taking them up in the early morning - the calmest part of the day - is key.

“The main priority is safety, as set down by (government-owned) Airservices and CASA (Civil Aviation and Safety Authority),” Mr Cox said.

Ray Robertson, a retiree in his 70s who has got up a petition with about 80 signatures from Argyle Gardens Retirement Village next to Bundaberg Airport, does not agree.

He is asking Bundaberg Regional Council, owner of the airport, to impose a curfew to stop early flights, targeting training flights run by three flying schools.

“When these aircraft start of a morning they go around in circles ... you get this monotonous noise over and over,” Mr Robertson said, emphasising it was not about commercial or essential flights.

“That falls apart, that argument (Mr Cox's emphasis on safety), in my opinion. They (novice pilots) have got to learn to fly in conditions that are suited to the type of aircraft they're flying.”

Mr Cox disagreed.

“A curfew would affect the trade of all the schools and businesses,” he said.

“If we were damaged, it would damage local industry.”

Jabiru Aircraft and Engines Australia owner Rod Stiff said the airport had been on the site since the 1930s, long before the village.

“We certainly will be kicking up a fuss if they try to restrict our flying operations here,” Mr Stiff said.

Mr Cox said Airservices Australia noise emission testing had found road traffic adjacent to the village was higher, at 75 decibels, than the aircraft, at 68 decibels.

Cr David Batt said talks were being held with all parties, and council was proposing the adoption of a “flight-friendly program that everyone would sign”.

Mr Cox believes the issue should be over.

“It only happened in the (light) months of January and February, and next year when we get to the same period the (extended) runway will move us down,” Mr Cox said.

It is a view supported by council.

But Mr Robertson does not believe the extended runway will solve the issue.

“I am sure they're not going to cost themselves fuel to go right to the end to take off,” he said.

Mr Cox said that if action was taken by council that impacted on safety, it would have repercussions.