Over six months after the tabling of an important aircraft noise Inquiry in the Senate the Federal Government has still not responded, Steve Irons MP said today.

The inquiry into the effectiveness of Airservices Australia’s Management of Aircraft Noise was tabled on 2 July 2010. Governments are required to respond to Senate Inquiries within 3 months.

Mr Irons said that after 6 months the community deserved a response and that the delay was unacceptable.

“The Inquiry is important for our community and we fought hard to secure it. Many local residents joined me in providing evidence and there was an overwhelming turn-out at the Perth hearing’ he said.

“Even taking into account a 2 month delay for the election, their response is long overdue”.

“The report contained some excellent recommendations which need to be addressed, including that:

• Airservices Australia review noise levels over affected areas with a view to offering a noise amelioration scheme compensating residents affected by aircraft noise consistent with that of other Australian capital city airports.

• The Minister for the Environment review the flight path changes under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (as the Environment Minister should have done in the first place).

• The controversial ANEF measurement of aircraft noise be revised.

“I will be taking this to Canberra and asking why the Gillard Government has presided over such a delay.

“The Government was opposed to holding the Inquiry in the first place and now it is dragging its heels in responding” he added.

Mr Irons said he would continue his campaign for a Perth Aircraft Noise Insulation Scheme.