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Albanese must act on Aviation Ombudsman's recommendations
Tuesday 27 July 2010
The NSW Greens today welcomed the appointment of Australia’s first Aviation Ombudsman Mr Ron Brent but said Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese will risk a backlash from residents living under the Sydney Airport flight path if the government does not take action to address identified concerns.
Greens Lead Senate candidate Lee Rhiannon said, “The new Aviation Ombudsman is very welcome, but Transport Minister and Member for Grayndler needs to commit to acting upon his recommendations or this move will be seen as window-dressing.
“Inner West residents have been complaining for years about aircraft noise and the new Sydney Airport Master Plan will see even more flights over head.
“Governments of the day have been long known for setting up independent watch-dogs only to ignore what they say,” Ms Rhiannon said.
Greens Federal candidate for Grayndler Sam Byrne said,
“Inner West residents have long suffered aircraft noise, with their complaints falling on deaf ears. Time will tell if this new Aviation Ombudsman will change things.
“Anthony Albanese has been in charge of Sydney Airport for three years now but the only thing he has done for residents is to sign off on a Master Plan which will boost aircraft movements.
“The noise from Sydney Airport does not comply with land use recommendations set out in Australian building standards for aircraft and Minister Anthony Albanese has allowed the airport to extend high noise zones into existing suburbs.
“The Gillard government must get serious about finding a new airport for Sydney, or bear the brunt of community anger,” Mr Byrne said.
Contact:
Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568
Sam Byrne 0408 231 509
