After directly writing to the ANO, the Noosa electorate office recently received the following correspondence and advice as follows:
“I am writing to provide an update on our investigation into Airservices Australia’s management of consultation and information provision in relation to its flight path designs to support Sunshine Coast Airport’s new runway plans.
Before I proceed, I acknowledge that this is a form email being sent to all Sunshine Coast residents who have contacted my office in relation to the proposed new flightpath. While it is not my normal practice to use form letters, I have chosen to do so on this occasion to ensure all residents are provided with a timely response and are equally informed on the progress of this matter.
On Thursday 30 May 2019 I notified the Chairman of Airservices Australia that I have decided to conduct a multiple complaints review, as provided for in clause 41 of the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman Charter. I anticipate that this will lead to a report to the Board that will include recommendations and will ultimately be published on the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman website.
At this stage, on the basis of the issues raised in the complaints received so far, the scope of the review will be:
· the appropriateness or otherwise of consideration given by Airservices, in the design of the proposed flight paths, to potential noise impacts;
· the quality and effectiveness of Airservices’ community consultation in relation to the proposed flight paths;
· the quality and effectiveness of the information provided by Airservices in relation to the proposed flight paths;
· the quality and effectiveness of Airservices’ response to complaints raised with them about the proposed changes, its community consultation and its provision of information; and
· any action Airservices has taken or plans to take in response to the aircraft noise issues associated with the proposed changes.
I understand that this flight path change proposal and its potential aircraft noise ramifications are of serious concern to you. I thank those of you who have provided us with the further details of your correspondence with Airservices Australia and apologise that we were not able to acknowledge each of you individually.
Like you, I want to see the matter addressed as quickly as possible. However, I know from experience that it can take some time for information and documentation to be gathered and for issues to be properly and thoroughly examined. Where practical improvements or rectifications are identified, it can also take time for these to be implemented.
I therefore ask for your patience as I continue my investigation. I offer my assurance that I will continue to keep you informed of the steps I take and the progress that I and my colleagues in the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman’s office make.
I will contact you again as soon as I have further information/updates.”