Inner-west residents will benefit directly from new policies and commitments contained in the first National Aviation Policy, launched yesterday by Federal Member for Grayndler and Minister for Infrastructure & Transport Anthony Albanese.

Mr Albanese said that the Rudd Labor Government was taking action to address the impact of aircraft noise experienced by Inner-west residents.

"The simple fact is that the Sydney region will need a second airport in the near future.

“We have commenced a process to establish a second airport given that the failure to build an airport at Badgerys Creek, which was chosen in 1986, means it is no longer a viable option.

“We are also putting in place practical measures like banning older, noisier aircraft and making sure that Inner-west residents have an opportunity to raise concerns about noise.

“Commitments contained in the National Aviation Policy include:

• Establishing a joint planning taskforce between the federal and NSW governments to identify strategies and locations to meet additional aviation capacity for the Sydney region, including a second airport;


• Establishing a new Aircraft Noise Ombudsman to provide an opportunity for local residents to raise issues about aircraft noise and to improve consultation and the flow of information to the public;


• Regulating to stop older, noisier aircraft flying over residential areas, such as hush-kitted Boeing 727s;


• Maintaining the existing curfew and cap at Sydney Airport; and


• Retaining the Sydney Airport Community Forum to make sure that the Inner-west community is regularly informed and consulted.

“This is about getting the balance right between continued economic growth in aviation and the rights of local communities affected by airports and aviation,” Mr Albanese concluded.

More information on the National Aviation Policy White Paper can be found at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/nap/index.aspx