RESIDENTS are being urged to put pressure on federal politicians as they prepare to vote on a Bill to protect residents from aircraft noise.
Pearce MHR Judi Moylan introduced her Air Services (Aircraft Noise) Amendment Bill 2011 to Federal Parliament last July.
Since then the Bill has been met with opposition from the aviation industry and the State Government.
Last month, the Bill – which was based on the recommendations of a Senate inquiry into the changes of the Perth Airport flight paths in 2008 – was amended after consultation.
Mrs Moylan addressed Parliament on June 18 over the amendments.
“The public has the right to expect a consistent and fair approach to decision making,” she said.
“That is why this Bill also requires Airservices Australia to conduct a new public consultation process following the changes made in Perth in 2008.”
Despite the amendments, Mrs Moylan told the Gazette it did not look like the Bill would be going to a vote soon.
“The best chance now is public pressure,” she said.
Hills group FairSkies encouraged residents to continue letting authorities know the changed flight paths were still causing problems.
Airservices Australia declined to comment on whether it had lobbied politicians against the Bill.
“It is a matter for government and therefore it would be inappropriate for Airservices to comment,” a spokesman said.
“It should be noted however, that Airservices has made substantial changes over the past two years to improve community engagement in its approach to managing aircraft noise issues.”
Airservices has established an Aircraft Noise Ombudsman, community aviation consultation groups, and a new unit for environment and community relations.