Flight path battle: Coast fears overhead noise

CHANGES to flight paths which would see commercial jets fly down the East Coast through Mercury Passage and over Maria Island will be strongly opposed by the local council. 

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council has voted to reject the proposed change and also lobbied AirServices Australia (ASA) to extend the public comment deadline from the beginning to the end of December. 

Councillor Neil Edwards has been most vocal about the controversial change which would see the flight path to Hobart Airport moving from inland to over the water. In 2019, ASA rejected the over water option but it is now being reconsidered. 

“So what’s changed? We are being told it will only be some six to eight planes a day overhead. But with Hobart International Airport upgrades, what does the future hold?’’ Mr Edwards said. 

“We know the airlines are upgrading their fleet from Boeing 737s to 787 and A380 Airbuses– where the engines have the same diameter of the 737 fuselage."

“How much extra noise will that create? “If you live in the city, a plane flying overhead has far less impact than in a rural-fishing environment.

“The reality is, 70 per cent of people who live in Orford-Triabunna have an average age of 63– we’re a retirement village by the sea in a lot of ways. 

“Our builders, and those from Sorell and Hobart, are flat-out building retirement homes for people who want to live in a quieter place. 

“We are a tourism destination, last year 117,000 people came to the region and 50,000 of them went to Maria Island. 

“Maria Island has UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Darlington Convict Station, along with its remote and unique environment. 

“The state’s tourism brand is based on inviting visitors to “Come Down for Air” - to experience the silence, tranquility and peacefulness of protected sites like Maria Island. A flight path over the top of this world-renowned island makes no sense."

The over-water option is being reconsidered as a result of community consultations and requests from those living in the Southern Beaches. 

“Airservices Australia is committed to engaging with the community on the suggested changes to Hobart air space operations,” ASA Head of Community Engagement Donna Marshall said.

“Our primary goal is to ensure all community members are aware of the proposed changes and have the opportunity to provide feedback on any areas of interest.”