HOLSWORTHY AIRPORT PROPOSAL - ISSUES

NOISE POLLUTION

AIRCRAFT NOISE - THE FACTS

This will be a 24 hour airport operation, with no curfew as imposed at Kingsford Smith.

Many households under flight paths up to 20 kilometers from Sydney's second airport would experience airport noise as high as 80 decibels - equivalent to standing next to lawnmower.

Suburbs 4 kilometers from the end of the proposed runways can expect noise levels of 96 decibels - 100 decibels is equivalent to standing 1 meter from a jackhammer.

Noise figures have not been projected for the residents of the Illawarra. Thirroul is approximately 18 kilometers from Holsworthy. I f the Southern option is chosen suburbs such as Stanwell Park and Helensburgh will be as close as Drummoyne and Kurnell is to Kingsford Smith Airport, a distance of 8 kilometers.

Aircraft noise in the Illawarra will be greatly amplified by the echoing effect of the Illawarra escarpment wherever you live in Wollongong (compare the effect when trains traverse this city - the noise is greatly amplified). Aircraft do not always follow specified flight paths, and the noise generated is not confined to the actual track of the aircraft. Aircraft, at times, will circle awaiting landing permission. All of the Illawarra will be effected. This needs further investigation.

The University of Western Sydney Nepean recently completed a study of people living in airport noise corridors. The study found people were literally going mad. "There were psychological disorders which ruined relationships, heavy drinking and violence. Studies showed people suffered from a wide range of personal problems, including aggression, sleeplessness, eating disorders, heavy smoking and even lack of interest in sex"

More effects on health? Headaches, asthma, cancer and hypertension are just some of the health problems associated with living close to an airport studies indicate.

Schools in similar areas of Sydney affected by Kingsford Smith airport have had to get massive air conditioning installed and classrooms sound proofed.

HOLSWORTHY

PROJECTED NOISE INDEXES AS APPLICABLE TO THE ILLAWARRA

(SOURCE: ILLAWARRA AGAINST HOLSWORTHY AIRPORT)

HOW DO THESE LEVELS COMPARE TO EVERYDAY SOUNDS?