Aeroglen resident says ‘relentless’ noise from Cairns Airport’s general aviation section is getting worse

Day and night, the noise from the general aviation section of Cairns Airport is ‘relentless’, according to one Aeroglen resident. And she thinks the issue is only getting worse.

SHEONA Dawson-Leary’s front door is some 300m from Cairns Airport’s general aviation section – and the noise is “relentless”.

Compounding the issue is the smell and the black soot that covers everything, the Aeroglen resident said.

And since moving to the suburb three-and-a-half years ago, Ms Dawson-Leary said the issue had only gotten worse.

Sheona Dawson-Leary with her dog Cooper.

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Now, another of the suburb’s residents, Gordon Sheard, has taken Cairns Airport to court over “unbearable noise and air pollution” from the airport’s general aviation section.

For years, the Aeroglen Residents Committee has raised concerns with the airport, claiming residents are “bombarded” with air and noise pollution.

Now Mr Sheard is seeking orders through the Planning and Environment Court that the airport ensure operations at the leased areas of general aviation and the Eastern Run-up Bay comply with noise regulations, and that the airport restrict airport operators to running aircraft engines in strict compliance with its operating procedures.

Aeroglen residents have gone to court over allegations of “unbearable” noise pollution from Cairns Airport. Picture: Brendan Radke

He is also seeking restrictions on the use of aircraft’s auxiliary power units and the running of aircraft engines.

According to documents filed, Mr Sheard claims the general aviation section of the airport “appears to be unregulated” and the airport “does not adequately enforce noise abatement processes”.

“Airport hangars at general aviation are located very close to the residential sites in Aeroglen, the closest residential dwelling is located only 200 metres from the airport.”

He also commissioned a noise assessment report to support his claims.

Aeroglen, as a residential area, long predates the construction of the Cairns Airport.

In Mr Sheard’s claim, he said Cairns Airport had been informed on “numerous occasions” of noise and pollution complaints.

A Qantas passenger plane comes into land at Cairns Airport. Picture: Brendan Radke

“(The airport) has never in the last eight or so years taken appropriate or adequate action to address noise complaints raised by residents, which are frequent,” he wrote, adding that the airport did not hold a register of complaints and sought to invalidate complaints when they occurred.

Mr Sheard also claimed Cairns Regional Council had been asked to take action to “restrain” the activities at general aviation and had “refused to do so”. Noise from aircraft movement does not fall under the council’s jurisdiction.

Mrs Dawson-Leary suggested a sound barrier alongside the airport would be one way to alleviate the issue.

Cairns Airport declined to comment, citing the ongoing proceedings.

Originally published as Aeroglen resident says ‘relentless’ noise from Cairns Airport’s general aviation section is getting worse