[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Greens to Protect Airport Curfew

[Taylor, Sam]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 13th February 2014
Greens to Protect Airport Curfew

South Australian Greens Senator Penny Wright will today introduce legislation into Federal Parliament to protect the amenity of South Australians who live under or near the flight path of Adelaide Airport.

"Residents of the western suburbs and North Adelaide bear the burden of airport noise on behalf of all South Australians.  The 11pm to 6am night time curfew is a small price to pay for the convenience of an inner-city airport.  Those most affected by aircraft noise are currently assured of 7 hours peace, however the existing law allows this to be reduced to 5 hours, with the stroke of a Minister's pen", said Parliamentary Leader of the Greens in SA Mark Parnell MLC.

"The Greens are acting to protect residential amenity and are calling on South Australian Federal MPs to support the Bill."

The Greens Bill will amend the Adelaide Airport Curfew Act 2000, and ensures that only Parliament has the ability to modify the curfew.  At present, it is a Ministerial matter, which resulted in the decision late last year to approve four early morning landings for Cathay Pacific during winter months.  Under present law, this could be expanded to eight flights and, with a change to Regulations, could allow many more take-offs and landings during both the 11pm to midnight and 5am to 6am "shoulder" periods.

"Prior to the last Federal election, the successful Liberal candidate, Matt Williams promised to "strongly defend the curfew".  At the State level, Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis has described the decision to water down the curfew as "a betrayal".  So, this Bill gives both Liberal and Labor MPs the chance to make good on their commitments.  If they don't support this Bill, they will have serious questions to answer in their electorates.

"If Parliament doesn't fix this by supporting the Greens' Bill, residents living near the flight path will be rightly worried about what might come next.  Are the first four 5.10am flights just the thin end of the wedge for a further erosion of their right to a good night's sleep?  We need to nip this in the bud now, by removing Ministerial discretion to tinker with the curfew.

"While Minister Koutsantonis posts flyers in his West Torrens electorate about his outrage at the Abbott Government decision, the Greens are presenting a practical and simple solution that will protect his constituents.  Will he support it?"

Note: Title of Bill: Adelaide Airport Curfew Amendment (Protecting Residents' Amenity) Bill 2014




For further information contact Mark Parnell: 0439 215 937





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