The Department of Defense has publicly released its draft Australian Noise Exposure Concept 2025 map.
The draft map outlines the significant decrease of the forecast noise footprint from the Joint Strike Fighter at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range compared with the initial Australia Noise Exposure Forecast 2025 map released late last year.
Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Geoff Brown, said the redrafted map put most of Oyster Cove, Medowie and Swan Bay outside the 20-25 contour. The new map can be viewed here.
The Joint Strike Fighter Public Environment Report process, a public consultation process undertaken by Defence starting in October 2009, provided invaluable feedback regarding the impact of the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) 2025.
“Air Force has listened to community concerns regarding aircraft noise from the JSF and has decided to halve the new jet’s use of Salt Ash Air Weapons Range to minimise the impact as much as possible,” AVM Brown said.
“We are grateful for the feedback and professional approach of Port Stephens Council throughout the process of reviewing the JSF’s use of the range and for the Council’s patience in working through challenges this has presented to them.”
The new map is being factored into the preparation of the Council’s draft development control plan and draft local environmental plan which is proposed to go on public exhibition next month.
Port Stephens Council Group Manager Sustainable Planning, David Broyd, said this had been an extremely complex issue for Council to deal with.
“We certainly appreciate the level of concern in the community regarding aircraft noise and have worked very hard to help provide a better outcome for residents,” he said.
“Council is very pleased that the Department of Defence has earmarked a significant decrease in its noise footprint. We also understand the importance of the RAAF Base in Williamtown and are supportive of its ongoing role in Port Stephens.”
The ANEC 2025 map, which is a draft, is likely to be finalised as the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast in the coming months.
AVM Brown said the move to decrease forecast noise footprint was an important step by Air Force to ensure the ongoing use of the range as an essential training asset for future generations of fighter pilots while minimising the impact on the local community.
