The Albanese Labor Government will implement noise monitoring around Queensland’s RAAF Base Amberley for local residents who are adversely affected by military aircraft noise, so that a lasting solution to address community concerns can be implemented.
RAAF Base Amberley is Defence’s largest operational air base and home to the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets. These critical capabilities are central to the security of Australia.
To ensure the Australian Defence Force can continue to operate these aircraft while meeting the needs of the local community, the Albanese Government will work with the Queensland State Government and Ipswich City Council to develop and deliver a new program to address aircraft noise.
The Department of Defence will call for volunteers within the next month to extend noise monitoring to private households to identify and quantify the impact of training and operations from RAAF Base Amberley.
A re-elected Albanese Government is committed to using these measurements to inform an appropriate noise abatement scheme.
As part of developing the scheme, Defence will provide advice to a re-elected Albanese Government later this year on:
• the development of a new draft noise model by Defence, which will specifically focus on military fast jets, in consultation with the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, relevant stakeholders and experts;
• appropriate financial support for local households that are adversely affected by excessive military aircraft noise, to assist with ongoing noise attenuation; and
• local land planning and development regulations to support noise management in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including state and local authorities.
The support of local communities is essential to the success of Defence bases across the country. The development of this program will be a key factor in ensuring the close ties between Defence and residents around Amberley continue to strengthen into the future.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“RAAF Base Amberley is a critical Defence base, which is why it is so important that we are listening to and working with the local community to address their concerns.
“We know military aircraft noise is a significant issue for households in this area. That’s why I have directed Defence to develop options for noise abatement as quickly as possible. Importantly, this will include options for financial support.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the community so that a long-term solution can be implemented that supports households, and the important aircraft operations that occur from south-east Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann:
“This is very welcome news for local households in and around my community.
“Local residents know how important the work of our aviators and aircraft are to Australia’s Defence – but for many years now we have been calling for concerns about aircraft noise to be addressed.
“I am proud to be a part of a Government that is committed to delivering lasting reforms and practical measures to address this issue.”