Amidst the mounting concerns about escalating aircraft noise in the Brookfield and Upper Brookfield areas, temporary noise monitors have been installed to capture data and analyse the impact of flight operations.
The move comes as part of a broader initiative by Airservices Australia (ASA) to address the growing issue of aircraft noise across Brisbane. The results from these monitors will be shared with the community after three months of data collection via the WebTrak platform.
The temporary monitors have been strategically positioned at Jones Rd in Brookfield and Carbine Rd in Upper Brookfield. These locations were chosen to assess the noise impact of aircraft departure and arrival operations, respectively. The initiative underscores ASA’s commitment to addressing community concerns and involving residents in the decision-making process.
Community Engagement Sessions to Discuss Flight Path Options
To foster open dialogue and gather valuable input from residents, ASA has announced a series of engagement sessions starting 8 Aug until 10 Sept 2023. These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to discuss and provide feedback on the proposed flight path changes.
Among the options being explored are strategies to increase flights over Moreton Bay, reduce nighttime operations’ impact, and distribute flight paths more evenly across affected communities.
Residents of Brookfield, Upper Brookfield, and the nearby suburbs are invited to participate in the community engagement session scheduled for Monday, 14 Aug 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brookfield Hall within the Brookfield Showgrounds. Additionally, ASA is organising online sessions from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for those unable to attend in person, ensuring that as many voices as possible are heard.
| Online Sessions |
| Tuesday 22 August |
| Thursday 31 August |
| Tuesday 5 September |
Resurgence of Controversial Flight Path Plan
As part of a comprehensive Noise Action Plan, ASA has unveiled a revived proposal for significant changes to Brisbane Airport’s flight paths. One of the most contentious aspects of the plan involves permitting round-the-clock simultaneous takeoffs and landings from both runways at the airport. The proposal, known as Simultaneous Opposite Direction Runway Operations (SODPROPS), is aimed at addressing the noise issue.
Initially proposed over two decades ago and subsequently abandoned, the SODPROPS plan was revisited following persistent noise-related complaints from residents. While ASA had initially considered implementing SODPROPS only during nighttime hours, the current proposal envisions extending this practice throughout the day, depending on favourable wind patterns, weather conditions, and air traffic volume.
Community Responses and ASA’s Approach
The resurgence of the flight path plan has elicited mixed reactions from the community. Marcus Foth, the spokesperson for the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), welcomed the 24-hour implementation of SODPROPS but expressed reservations about ASA’s communication strategies. Foth criticised the agency for inundating the public with technical terminology, hindering meaningful public engagement.
ASA’s broader proposal includes a commitment to exploring alternative flight path options over the next two years. These options aim to distribute noise impact more equitably across the city without increasing the airport’s overall capacity.
Whilst the plan is still under review, Brisbane Airport Corporation has expressed support for ASA’s efforts to mitigate noise impact, particularly during nighttime operations. The final decision, shaped by community feedback and revisions, will determine the future trajectory of Brisbane’s flight paths and their potential to alleviate residents’ noise concerns.
