Aviation boom disturbing the peace at Lismore airport, residents claim

Some residents claim the influx of aviation businesses to Lismore has impacted on their quality of life.

Complaints have been made about the increase in number of planes flying over Lismore. (File photo).

A boon in aviation enterprise in Lismore has come at the cost of residents’ peace and quiet, according to a letter circulated to letterboxes last week.

The letter drew attention to the “significant increase in noise disturbance” over Lismore, which was attributed to the “many” flight schools and aero clubs operating out of Lismore airport.

The letter asked people to sign a petition started by Judith Forsyth on change.org, which says: “The noise is generated by a variety of small fixed wing craft that often fly repeated circuits over residential areas. Currently there are at least eight training schools along with two aero clubs and numerous private owners using Lismore and Casino runways”.

Ms Forsyth said many residents were “expressing increased stress related to the noise which is now very frequent and disturbing”.

She said the petition was launched as there were no regulations to help mitigate the noise disturbance.

“We make clear here that we are not referring to community service flights such as REX Regional, flight rescue, firefighting, or medical flight services,” she said.

“We are not only concerned about the current level of noise pollution but also what the future may hold for local residents if there is expansion of these flights, for example the addition of TAFE flight courses.”

Last month, Airways Aviation Australia announced it was partnering with TAFE NSW to offer a Diploma of Aviation from its base at Lismore airport.

Airways Aviation Australia general manager, Helena Tierney said the company hoped to expand its flight training operations to establish an aviation hub in Lismore, offering training for cabin crew, as well as training in maintenance, engineering and avionics.

Ms Tierney said the company was excited to operate out of Lismore and bring new opportunities to the airport, particularly with commercial carrier REX indicating it may pull its flights from Lismore when the Regional Aviation Network Support program ceases in September.

However, some residents don’t share that excitement.

“The sky belongs to all of us, and residents have a right to a peaceful and healthy existence but the law does not support residents’ rights in this matter.

“To date actions taken by council have not been sufficiently effective in mitigating this noise issue,” Ms Forsyth said.

So far, more than 120 people have signed the petition.