Brisbane residents affected by aircraft noise issues will have their voices heard through an independent community forum established by the Liberal and Nationals Government.
The forum will operate independently of the review currently being undertaken by Airservices Australia into the operations of the second runway at Brisbane Airport since it opened in mid-2020.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government was aware of community concerns and is committed to addressing them.
"The Government recognises that residents across a number of Brisbane suburbs have been affected by noise issues since the new runway opened," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"We understand the impact this can have on living standards and we want to give those impacted the chance to have their voices heard and issues addressed.
"The independent community forum is separate to the review Airservices is already conducting. Together, these processes will ensure all voices are heard and help inform the steps we take to address the issues."
Federal Member for Brisbane Trevor Evans said establishing the community forum was a welcome step towards addressing the concerns of the Brisbane community.
"This is about empowering residents who have understandably been frustrated by the lack of responsiveness and lack of genuine consideration of their concerns," Mr Evans said.
"That's why I've been calling for the governance arrangements for managing community concerns and complaints about Brisbane Airport to be turned on its head.
"Instead of expecting residents to become aviation experts, this independent community forum puts the onus back on the airport operators and regulators to find solutions that address residents' legitimate concerns about noise impacts".
The Government has appointed Mr Ross Musgrove as the Independent Chair of the forum. Mr Musgrove has extensive experience in serving local communities, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of the Western Downs Regional Council. He will be joined on the forum by:
- The Hon Robert Borbidge AO, a former Queensland premier;
- Ms Claire Moore, a former Senator for Queensland;
- Mr Nigel Chamier AM, Chair of the Brisbane Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group; and
- Professor Douglas Baker, School of Architecture and Built Environment at the Queensland University of Technology.
