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Residents of the Hawkesbury region can breathe a cautious sigh of relief, with current flight path designs for the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport suggesting minimal aircraft noise impacts for townships across the Hawkesbury Local Government Area (LGA).
The airport, due to open in late 2026, is a major infrastructure development for Greater Western Sydney. But its proximity to semi-rural and heritage townships like Bilpin, Kurrajong, North Richmond, Wilberforce and Pitt Town has raised concerns among locals about potential aircraft noise and environmental impacts.
Government authorities have responded with what they describe as a community-focused approach to flight path planning, using strategies such as:
- Reciprocal Runway Operations (RRO) at night, which involves aircraft taking off and landing in the same direction to reduce overflight of residential areas;
- Continuous Descent Approaches, which allow aircraft to glide in smoothly with reduced engine thrust, limiting noise levels during approach.
Residents can check for themselves what the noise and flight path modelling looks like using the official Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool
By entering their address, users can view:
- Predicted flight paths
- Typical aircraft altitudes
- Projected frequency and intensity of aircraft noise
Early modelling suggests that most Hawkesbury townships, including Bilpin, Richmond, Windsor, Colo and surrounding rural areas, lie outside the most affected flight corridors. However, planning authorities warn that flight paths are not yet final and may change based on further assessment and ongoing community consultation.
The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), available at www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au, details environmental considerations and was open for public comment. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged in the process and continue to provide feedback to ensure local voices are heard.
While the long-term regional benefits of the airport are being touted—such as jobs and economic growth—protecting the unique character and amenity of the Hawkesbury remains top of mind for local residents.
For those with concerns or questions about the potential impacts, government agencies are encouraging feedback through the website.
